During Bayer Leverkusen’s late 3-2 win against RB Leipzig, Florian Wirtz showcased why he would be a perfect fit under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
In December, it was claimed that City were eager to sign Wirtz at all costs, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich also believed to be keen on his signature, as per a report by 90 Min.
It was also revealed in November that the Sky Blues had sent scouts to watch the German international in action during his side’s 3-2 victory against Hoffenheim.
As Florian Wirtz shone against RB Leipzig in a tightly-held contest, in our view, he displayed why Pep Guardiola would enjoy working with him if he signed for Manchester City.
Florian Wirtz showed why he would be the perfect under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City against RB Leipzig
The fundamental reason why Wirtz looked like a Guardiola player was due to his versatility against Leipzig, which is a feature that the decorated manager clearly seems to value highly.
The 20-year-old was deployed in a variety of roles during the contest by Xabi Alonso, be it as a left-winger, a traditional number 10 or as a left-sided attacking midfielder.
While the teenager had a quiet first half, much like Leverkusen, it was in the second half where he dazzled in each of these roles.
Florian Wirtz took the initiative to lead Bayer Leverkusen’s revival, finding space in the middle of the park to find Jonas Hofmann inside the box, who found Alejandro Grimaldo as he set up Nathan Tella’s equaliser.
Despite starting the game on the left flank, Wirtz showed his intelligence to drift in a central position and play a huge role in his side’s goal; a trait that Guardiola would appreciate when it comes to any attacker at City.
However, another way in which the youngster bamboozled Leipzig was by reverting to his left-wing position, as he made smart runs in behind before finding his Leverkusen teammates in dangerous positions time and again.
As a result, it seemed like Marco Rose’s side had no idea how to pick up Wirtz on Saturday.
Florian Wirtz’s link-up with Alejandro Grimaldo on the left flank was particularly threatening, which could also be the case with Josko Gvardiol if he ends up donning sky blue one day.
Apart from the flexibility that Wirtz displayed in terms of the positions he took up, his technical excellence would also impress Guardiola, which remains a feature amongst all of his players.
To play under the Catalan, it is a pre-requisite to be comfortable in possession.
The Pulheim-born talent has been known for his grace on the ball since he broke through at Bayer Leverkusen and against RB Leipzig, his close control, first touch, dribbling and passing were simply a joy to watch.
From a technical perspective, Wirtz did not put a single foot wrong for all practical purposes, despite picking up the ball across several areas of the pitch and phases of play.
Being as tactically flexible and as well-rounded technically as Florian Witz is, Pep Guardiola could use him both as one of his advanced midfielders as well out wide at Manchester City and he could yield a potential world-class player in the making.
Whether the move occurs or not is a mystery but in terms of the fit, it’s safe to say that there are not many more ideal to play their football at the Etihad Stadium.
