Emerging Talent Florian Wirtz Issues Warning in Champions League Debut
It's a shocking revelation, but records indicate that Florian Wirtz had never graced the Champions League stage before this particular Thursday night. Despite his tender age of 21, it's become commonplace for young talents to make their mark in football these days. Take Barcelona's Lamine Yamal as an example. He disrupted both the domestic league and starred at the European Football Championship, all while being just 17 years old during the tournament's finale. But let's revert our focus to Wirtz, who's finally found his calling: competing on the most esteemed football court worldwide.
Unexpectedly, he didn't feel an ounce of apprehension under his feet, nor did fear seep in. Over the years, Wirtz's self-assurance seemed to have escalated significantly. Named the "little maestro," he took charge of Bayer's game from the get-go in Rotterdam. Making his Champions League bow, he opened the scoring by converting a well-crafted goal. Involved in the play were Robert Andrich and Victor Boniface, who provided Wirtz with ample room to maneuver before he struck gold from range. That was the thrill of challenging the titans of football. "If you aim to become a star, you gotta play in the Champions League," Wirtz proclaimed during pre-season training with his Werkself, his Bayer Leverkusen team.
The Europa League was conquered last season
The little league had already fallen before Wirtz and Bayer. In the Europa League, they stormed their way into the tournament's finale, where they came up short against Atalanta Bergamo. However, Wirtz and Bayer provided the most captivating spectacle, with their captivating football and breathtaking late-night escapades. It doesn't have to be as dramatic as in the several overtime sessions, but there should be plenty more magical moments to relish. The Werkself sent a clear message in the hallowed "De Kuip" in Rotterdam. "Playing like that against a really strong opponent – hats off to my team," lauded captain Granit Xhaka: "We'll leave Rotterdam with a 4-0 away victory."
The game served as a reminder: underestimate Bayer and Wirtz at your own peril. The Leverkusen team has not left anything behind in terms of speed, flair, and class this summer. Even if the club had experienced a few hiccups recently, their standards are undeniable. Venue: an away loss against RB Leipzig (2-3), but this team has shown resilience. In Rotterdam, Boniface shone with a cheeky and ingenious assist for Alejandro Grimaldo's second goal. Jeremie Frimpong had also played a part in the build-up. Then, once again, it was Wirtz's turn, who scored the third in a technically demanding manner.
Head coach Xabi Alonso on the cusp
Wirtz has etched his name into football history by accomplishing something no German player has done before. Data analysts, Opta, reported that Wirtz is the first to score more than one goal in his Champions League debut. Following the game, he was named Man of the Match. "I didn't manage that," recalled coach Xabi Alonso, a former world-class footballer who was often named Man of the Match in his illustrious career. He admired Wirtz's performance and was pleased to see how good the youngster truly is. "I wanted him to show everybody how talented he is. I knew he could shine in the Champions League," Alonso said.
Wirtz had made a name for himself in the Bundesliga, Europa League, and the national team. Sitting alongside Bayern Munich, he's made his mark as the "Wusiala." This year, he's been nominated for the Ballon d'Or for the first time. Unlike his compatriot, Musiala, Wirtz hasn't had the chance to strut his stuff in the Champions League. However, the reason is straightforward—a severe cruciate ligament injury kept him out of essential Champions League action in Bayer's only qualifying season.
"Even more fulfilling"
It's too early for a conclusive analysis of Bayer's potential. But the start has been impressive, and the message has been received. With Bayer, with Wirtz, opponents must tread with caution. The team's fast-paced football, quick combination play, and ball retention impression everyone. "I was really looking forward to this game for the last few days," Wirtz said on DAZN: "Then, my performance was successful – even more fulfilling."
Wirtz had to leave the game after 72 minutes, leaving him puzzled and questioning his coach's decision. The coach opted for load management. But the youngster seemed eager to indulge in more Champions League action.
The Europa League title was a stepping stone for Wirtz and Bayer Leverkusen, as they reached the finale last season, although they fell short against Atalanta Bergamo. Head coach Xabi Alonso, a former world-class footballer, was impressed with Wirtz's performance in the Champions League debut, praising his talent and expressing his pleasure to see him shine.
