This summer has been filled with some huge football transfers, but there have arguably been none bigger than Florian Wirtz’s move to Liverpool. The German midfielder shone for Bayer Leverkusen over the last few years, becoming a real force for the Bundesliga club. He’s emerged as one of the best young players in the world, but he was lured away this summer as Arne Slot’s side coughed up £116m for his services.
It was the first real move that the manager made as he puts together a side that he feels is capable of defending their Premier League title next season. As such, there was a lot of hype surrounding Wirtz and his move to Anfield. Now, fans have had their second opportunity to watch him in a Liverpool shirt after he played against AC Milan on Saturday afternoon.
The attacking midfielder started his first match for the club and played the first half of the contest, but was subbed off at half-time as Slot’s side lost 4-2 to the Serie A team. The first half was all it took, however, for fans to cast their verdicts on Wirtz and they’ve been quick to do so on social media after highlights of his first start also emerged.
Liverpool Fans’ Verdicts on Florian Wirtz
Highlights of his first start have also gone viral
While pre-season games don’t offer the intensity that comes with competitive matches one the season actually gets underway, they do offer fans the chance to take a an early glance at their club’s newest players. That was the case for Liverpool fans against AC Milan as they watched Wirtz represent the club for the second time.
He only played the first half, but he gave them plenty to talk about. The club may have lost the match, but the supporters were generally impressed with the star and highlights of his performance have gone viral on social media.
Fans were also vocal on social media about his showing. One took to X (Twitter) and said: “The Premier League ain’t ready for this generational talent,” while another was also impressed, posting: “I am here to tell you that Wirtz is a proper bargain for Liverpool.”
A third supporter stated: “Wirtz is a wizard. The way he can create a chance out of nowhere is insane. The quick release of his passes. He can pass as if he’s walking. Unpredictable player, great in tight space, good at ball-carrying. Fantastic 10.”
A fourth fan was a little more reserved, saying: “Wirtz played as a false 9 today so he couldn’t get much of the ball but we saw what he’s capable of when he did,” while a final one simply posted: “Wirtz was brilliant.”