Liverpool fans are well aware of the quality Florian Wirtz will bring on the pitch, but one incident when he was substituted at Bayer Leverkusen offers a rare insight into his true personality
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Florian Wirtz (L) gets upset after being substituted next to Jeremie Frimpong (R) on the bench
Florian Wirtz revealed his true character to fans during a defeat to Bayern Munich
(Image: DAZN)
The numbers often speak for themselves when it comes to recruitment in football – but understanding a player's true character is something else entirely. That being said, Liverpool fans have already been served some insight as to what kind of temperament Florian Wirtz will add to the squad.
The Reds have broken the bank to sign Wirtz in a deal worth an initial £100million, potentially rising to £116m – breaking the British transfer record. The 22-year-old was critical in guiding Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title under Kop legend Xabi Alonso last year, but the German crown fell back into Bayern Munich's clutches this term.
However, it was during a Champions League round of 16 clash between the two German outfits that Wirtz gave a real peak into his personality – and it wasn't to do with anything the attacking midfielder produced on the pitch.
Instead, cameras picked up the youngster's response on the bench after he was substituted off with his side trailing 3-0 at the Allianz Arena. Both Wirtz and close friend Jeremie Frimpong, who has also completed a move to Anfield this summer, were taken off with the first leg result seemingly settled.
But Liverpool's new duo had contrasting reactions on the Leverkusen bench. While TV footage showed Frimpong staring into the distance, Wirtz made little secret of his frustrations as he reacted to a defeat that would ultimately lead to their exit from Europe.
With the clock on 81 minutes, the maestro failed to sit still and clearly shared some incensed words with his team-mate. Wirtz raged and spat before cradling his head in his hands out of anger, knowing full well his side – or perhaps focusing more so on just himself – had fallen way short on the biggest of occasions.
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WARNING COLLECT IMAGE TAKEN FROM CAPTION: Florian Wirtz (21/l.) gets upset after being substituted next to Jeremie Frimpong (24) on the bench Photo: DAZN LINK:
(Image: DAZN)
That's an indicator of the kind of calibre Wirtz expects perhaps not only of himself, but also those around him. The player has spoken about the scale of Liverpool and the club's position as one of the "top three clubs in the world," so it's obvious he knows what could be accomplished in the years to come.
Young players today are often criticised for lacking a certain sense of resolve, given many already earn massive sums early in their careers. But Wirtz's response to being taken off, even in such a one-sided defeat, shows his drive to play and have an influence at all times for his side.
It's clear he'll be expecting nothing but the best under Arne Slot, who is certainly putting his own stamp on the squad this summer. The swift signing of Frimpong mitigates some of the damage caused by Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit, as well as giving Wirtz a friendly face among his new team.
Arne Slot, Manger of Liverpool, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield
Arne Slot has signed another winner in Wirtz(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
The Reds are also closing on a £40m move for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. The Hungary international has earned rave reviews for his performances on the south coast and looks set to be Andy Robertson's long-term heir at Anfield.
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It appears Slot has a focus on refreshing his defensive options, with Marc Guehi also back on Liverpool's radar. Jarell Quansah could ultimately be heading to Leverkusen, and Crystal Palace talisman Guehi is the new favourite to replace him.
While the Bundesliga has been something of a two-horse race in recent seasons, Wirtz could encounter heftier competition in England. And that means even more matches where he'll have to be at his peak to ensure Liverpool keep their place atop the pile, with Arsenal and Manchester City expected to make life hard for the champions.
Fans need not have any concerns over the quality Wirtz will bring to the equation once he gets to work on Merseyside. And it appears they can also rest easy regarding the player's hunger to succeed at every turn, too.