- #
- 17
- Name
- Florian Wirtz
- Nationality
- Germany
- Position
- Midfielder
- Current Team
- Germany
Florian Wirtz is one of the most exciting young talents in world football today. The German attacking midfielder has been turning heads with his exceptional technical skills, vision, and creativity on the pitch. Despite being so young, Wirtz has already established himself as one of the brightest stars in the Bundesliga and has earned a place in Germany’s national team setup.
Career Overview:
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Early Career and Development:
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Youth Career: Wirtz began his football journey in the youth ranks of 1. FC Köln, where he quickly stood out due to his technical ability and footballing intelligence. His potential was clear from a young age, and in 2020, he made the move to Bayer Leverkusen, one of the top clubs in Germany’s Bundesliga, at just 17 years old.
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Breakthrough at Bayer Leverkusen:
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Wirtz made an immediate impact after joining Bayer Leverkusen. He became the youngest ever goal scorer in Leverkusen’s history at the age of 17 and has since gone on to solidify his place in the team’s starting XI. His ability to dictate play, create chances, and score goals made him an indispensable part of the team very quickly.
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In the 2020–2021 season, Wirtz’s performances were instrumental in Leverkusen’s push for European football, and he became one of the standout young talents in the Bundesliga.
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Playing Style:
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Creative Midfielder: Wirtz is primarily an attacking midfielder, but his versatility allows him to play in various positions across the attacking third, including as a central midfielder or in a more advanced role behind the striker. His ability to pick out key passes and make runs into the box makes him a significant creative force.
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Vision & Passing: One of Wirtz’s standout qualities is his vision. He can read the game exceptionally well and often provides assists with perfectly weighted passes. His ability to make incisive through balls and deliver precise crosses makes him an excellent playmaker.
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Dribbling: Wirtz is also an accomplished dribbler. He’s quick, has excellent close control, and is capable of beating defenders in tight spaces. His low center of gravity and balance make him a difficult player to dispossess.
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Finishing: While known more for his playmaking abilities, Wirtz is also a capable goal scorer. He’s shown an eye for goal, and his ability to arrive in the box at the right time has resulted in several important goals for both his club and country.
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International Career:
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Germany National Team: Wirtz made his debut for the Germany national team in 2021, quickly earning a spot in the squad for major international fixtures. His inclusion in Germany’s senior squad, at such a young age, reflects the high regard in which he is held.
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As a creative force in midfield, Wirtz is seen as one of the future cornerstones of the German national team. His composure, intelligence, and technical ability suit the playing style that Germany has traditionally favored, making him an exciting prospect for the upcoming international tournaments.
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Achievements and Recognition:
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Bundesliga Breakout: In just a short period, Wirtz has established himself as one of the top young players in the Bundesliga. He’s been compared to some of the best German midfielders, and many see him as the next big star of German football after players like Toni Kroos and Mesut Özil.
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Awards and Recognition: Wirtz has won several individual accolades, including nominations for the Golden Boy award (which recognizes the best young talent in Europe) and being named to Bundesliga Team of the Season.
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Injury Setback:
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In 2022, Wirtz suffered a serious knee injury that sidelined him for a few months, which was a major setback for both Bayer Leverkusen and the German national team. However, Wirtz made a strong recovery and returned to the field, picking up where he left off with his dazzling performances.
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