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Why Florian Wirtz is one of the most exciting young players in Europe this season.
A THREAD.
A THREAD.
Florian Wirtz was born into a passionate football family.
His first steps into the game were at his father’s academy before being spotted by Cologne.
Meanwhile his oldest sister Juliane also represents Bayer Leverkusen and Germany at youth level.
His first steps into the game were at his father’s academy before being spotted by Cologne.
Meanwhile his oldest sister Juliane also represents Bayer Leverkusen and Germany at youth level.
He broke onto the scene after making the move from Cologne to Leverkusen.
He made his debut for Leverkusen last season.
And he became the youngest player to score in the Bundesliga against Bayern Munich, a record now held by Moukoko.
He made his debut for Leverkusen last season.
And he became the youngest player to score in the Bundesliga against Bayern Munich, a record now held by Moukoko.
Much has been noted about Wirtz’s flair going forward. But with Peter Bosz using him as an AM this season, his defensive contributions have also been impressive.
35 interceptions highlights just how good he is at pressuring opposition defenders and reading the game.
35 interceptions highlights just how good he is at pressuring opposition defenders and reading the game.
Of course Wirtz’s has thrived in attack too and has done well to fill the Havertz void.
His ability to pick out his teammates is second to none.
He currently leads the Wyscout leaderboard in the Bundesliga for smart passes (26).
His ability to pick out his teammates is second to none.
He currently leads the Wyscout leaderboard in the Bundesliga for smart passes (26).
He is excellent and agile on the ball too.
His best ability is that he’s always playing with his head head up searching for the next pass or space to roam.
He can also take defenders on with his eye catching close control and dribbling ability hence his 7.07 dribbles per 90.
His best ability is that he’s always playing with his head head up searching for the next pass or space to roam.
He can also take defenders on with his eye catching close control and dribbling ability hence his 7.07 dribbles per 90.
Perhaps you would like him to score more. His 2.75 touches in the penalty area per 90 could be improved for someone in his position.
But when he does get the opportunity he has proven to be an astute finisher.
This against his former club, Köln, is a great example.
But when he does get the opportunity he has proven to be an astute finisher.
This against his former club, Köln, is a great example.
With 3 Bundesliga goals he is already the joint highest U18 scorer in the German top flight of all time.
And with 5 months to go until he turns 18 he will probably add to that record.
And with 5 months to go until he turns 18 he will probably add to that record.
Often deployed as an AM in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Wirtz likes to sit in the space between the opposition’s midfield and attack and he is a threat that is hard to neutralise for the opposition.
His positional awareness is well beyond his years.
His positional awareness is well beyond his years.
At 17 years old he’s demonstrating hugely impressive stats.
10 goal contributions from 18 games (15 starts) is a brilliant record and one he will surely build on as he develops.
Having signed a new contract just before Christmas his future is at Leverkusen for now.
10 goal contributions from 18 games (15 starts) is a brilliant record and one he will surely build on as he develops.
Having signed a new contract just before Christmas his future is at Leverkusen for now.
