Florian Wirtz and Xabi Alonso share a great success story. Now they will be opponents for the first time in the game between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid in the Champions League, which could definitely help the Reds’ problem child.
You have achieved the seemingly impossible. Bayer Leverkusen once had the name “Vizekusen” protected because the image of the eternal runner-up was so strong in this club. But Xabi Alonso and Florian Wirtz made sure that that was history. “Werkself” is now the only traditional synonym because the club is on the list of German champions; in the 2023/24 season, the coach-player team even led Leverkusen to a double.
Alonso strong with Real, Wirtz with problems in Liverpool
Given FC Bayern Munich’s tremendous dominance in the Bundesliga, there could be some people who would like to see Alonso and Wirtz back in Leverkusen. But both have moved on and are now making their mark on other clubs. Their paths have separated and their stories have gone in different directions so far. Alonso (13 wins in 14 competitive games since the start of the season) continues to have success, while Wirtz is having big problems. But maybe seeing his great supporter again will help him.
Xabi Alonso training with Real Madrid.
On Tuesday (from 9 p.m. in the live ticker on sportschau.de) the German international will play with Liverpool FC in the heavyweight duel in the Champions League against Real Madrid. It will be the first time that Wirtz and Alonso play against each other. However, the question of whether the former protégé can immediately show his former coach that he is still significantly better than the ratings of his previous time at the “Reds” remains open.
Wirtz gala most recently in the Champions League
Liverpool took an important step out of the crisis at the weekend after suffering six defeats in seven games before a convincing 2-0 win against Aston Villa. Wirtz was on the substitutes’ bench until the 77th minute, so it would be logical if he stayed there for the time being. However, the midfielder had a great evening at Eintracht Frankfurt (5-1) on the last Champions League matchday when he assisted on two goals.
“People always focus on numbers and goals. But that’s unfair, he’s already created a lot of chances for us. The difference was that in Frankfurt there were assists at the end.”said teammate Andrew Robertson, hoping “that he gets a lot out of this performance”.
Wirtz is still not involved in a goal in the Premier League, but with 17 chances created he is one of the best preparers in the league – it’s just that his colleagues were unable to convert the passes. This is one of the reasons why the German national player has been defended several times, including by national coach Julian Nagelsmann. A performance like in Frankfurt helps Wirtz even more than words of support, but a joker appearance like against Villa doesn’t help at all.
Liverpool coach Slot gives Wirtz time
The 125 million euro new signing was only noticed when he switched sides. After he raised his arms in apology, he was soon tunneled by Boubacar Kamara in the opponent’s penalty area. Things like that don’t exactly build self-confidence. And it can be good to remember the best times, which is likely to happen to Wirtz when he looks at the opponent’s coaching chair in the Champions League.
Under Alonso, Wirtz played 119 competitive games in Leverkusen, scored 38 goals and prepared 43 goals and has grown into a top player. The 22-year-old is not yet in Liverpool, but “Reds” coach Arne Slot emphasized: “Give Wirtz some time. I will definitely give him time. One of the best players you can have is Florian Wirtz.” Maybe Alonso triggers him so much that he can now show it permanently in Liverpool.