Former Germany and Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm believes Florian Wirtz can prosper under the tutelage of Arne Slot at Liverpool
Florian Wirtz has been hailed as an “ideal” signing for Liverpool and is being backed to prosper under the management of Arne Slot. In-demand Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Wirtz wants a move to the Reds having turned down approaches from Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Liverpool and Leverkusen remain locked in talks as they look to reach a compromise agreement for the 22-year-old. The Reds had an offer of €130million (£109m) rejected last week with Leverkusen aiming to hold out for €150m (£125m).
Wirtz was in action for Germany on Wednesday night and scored in their 2-1 UEFA Nations League semi-final defeat at home to Portugal.
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And former Germany and Bayern captain Philipp Lahm is convinced Liverpool is the right destination for the player as he detailed the qualities the Reds are looking to acquire.
“Wirtz has an outstanding first touch and can change speed so easily,” said Lahm.
“Wirtz doesn’t just want to be involved in the attacking play, he wants to be the decisive part of it. He is more straightforward and clear-minded. He waits, he picks his moments, and can alter the speed of a game with one touch or pass.
“That’s why he seems ideal for Liverpool. The system of play there has pace, vertical direction and a clear allocation of roles within the team that should suit him really well.”
Wirtz and Bayern youngster Jamal Musiala – a former England under-21 international who subsequently switched international allegiance – have struck up a partnership with the national team.
But assessing why Wirtz has chosen not to join Musiala at the Bundesliga champions, Lahm added: “Of course, I would have liked to see Wirtz in the Bayern jersey, but I can understand him moving elsewhere. For one thing, Arne Slot wants to develop a position with him, not just fill it.
“Secondly, it’s not easy to integrate Wirtz into the same team as Musiala. Both want to occupy the middle of the pitch. Both want the ball and need space.
“What I particularly like is that Wirtz and Musiala are team players. They connect with all their team-mates on the pitch. They run a lot and help in defence. These are the qualities they share.”
Speaking to The Athletic, Lahm also pointed out areas in which Wirtz can still improve his game and where he will have to adapt to playing in English football.
“In my opinion, Wirtz is better (than Musiala) at allowing situations to develop,” he said. “However, he needs to become more physically durable.
“Against Atletico Madrid this season or Atalanta in the 2024 Europa League final, he learnt what it was to have an opponent chasing him every second. He didn’t like man-to-man defence, but being robust is a prerequisite in the Premier League and Champions League.
“Wirtz also has to learn how to deal with pressure, which will be much more intense at Liverpool than it ever was in Leverkusen.
“Look, it’s already started, with criticism of his performance for the national team against Portugal on Wednesday. He hasn’t even signed yet!”
