Florian Wirtz Set to Shine in Champions League Debut for Bayer Leverkusen Against AC Milan

Posted : 30 September 2024

Bayer Leverkusen is set to host AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, with the spotlight on their talented midfielder Florian Wirtz. At just 21 years old, Wirtz will be making his home debut in the competition after missing Leverkusen's previous Champions League campaign due to an ACL injury. The fact that he is facing seven-time champions Milan adds to the significance of this moment, particularly for a player who is widely regarded as a future star on the European stage.

Wirtz's presence is crucial to Leverkusen's gameplay, complementing the team's impressive depth and the tactical expertise of coach Xabi Alonso. Known for his creativity in midfield, Wirtz is also a formidable goal-scoring threat, having netted four goals in five league matches this season. With a roster that includes players like Granit Xhaka, Victor Boniface, and Patrik Schick, Wirtz has earned the trust of his teammates, serving as Leverkusen's designated penalty taker.

Despite his pivotal role in helping Leverkusen secure their first Bundesliga title, Wirtz still seeks to prove himself in European competitions. He faced challenges in last year's Europa League final, where Leverkusen fell 3-0 to Atalanta. In their Champions League opener against Feyenoord, Wirtz showcased his abilities by scoring twice in a 4-0 victory, indicating his potential to impact high-stakes matches. However, when tightly marked, as he was during Saturday's 1-1 Bundesliga draw against Bayern Munich, Wirtz's creativity can be stifled, underscoring the need for team support to help him excel.

Speculation about Wirtz's future continues to swirl, with reports linking him to major clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Arsenal. Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has previously stated that Wirtz would not be sold for less than €150 million ($167 million), although he later expressed a desire to keep the young star at the club. Bayern Munich, a long-time admirer of Wirtz, is also poised to make a strong push for his signature. Their goalkeeper Manuel Neuer expressed a wish to see Wirtz and fellow German international Jamal Musiala play together, further highlighting the midfielder's rising profile. A standout performance in the Champions League could significantly boost Wirtz's market value and the interest from top clubs.

Florian Wirtz Set to Shine in Champions League Debut for Bayer Leverkusen Against AC Milan

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