Florian Wirtz in training for Bayer Leverkusen.
Florian Wirtz has been linked with a sensational move to Liverpool.
Florian Wirtz's name continues to dominate headlines when it comes to rumours around a potential blockbuster transfer to Liverpool. Ever since the news emerged that the Bayer Leverkusen star was a player of interest to the Reds, speculation has been swirling about whether or not a move to Anfield is a possibility.
Bayern Munich and Manchester City have also been mentioned as holding an interest in signing Wirtz, in the past. The ECHO has recently reported that while Liverpool are admirers of the Germany international, the expectation is that he will remain in the Bundesliga, either by staying at Leverkusen or moving on to Munich.
The Athletic have, however, reported on Friday that Bayern themselves expect Wirtz to join Liverpool if he was to leave Leverkusen this summer.
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Leverkusen are widely reported to value Wirtz at a fee in excess of £100million. It still remains unclear as to where the 22-year-old will be playing his football next season, but it's also no surprise to see why Liverpool might hold an interest in the player.
Wirtz has scored 34 goals and provided 35 assists across the last two seasons for Leverkusen and played a key role in helping the club win the Bundesliga title last term.
The playmaker is capable of performing in several different positions in a forward line - as well as in midfield - which would no doubt be a consideration for Liverpool if they decide to try and bring the player to Anfield.
Here, we take a closer look at three potential roles for the Germany playmaker;
No.10 role
While being a versatile player, it's arguably fair to say that Wirtz's best position is in the No.10 role behind a striker.
For Liverpool, that could see Wirtz operate behind either Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, or even Darwin Nunez next season. However, it remains to be seen if the Reds will want to rebuild their forward options in the form of departures with any of that trio.
Mohamed Salah taking up his favoured right wing role, with Cody Gakpo supporting on the left, could be the first-choice wide forward options for Liverpool next season. Wirtz operating in a No.10 position could then play a pivotal role in linking the whole forward line together.
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Diaz.
False nine
It's not just Wirtz who has been linked with Liverpool this summer. In terms of full-backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have both been mentioned as potential new additions to the Reds squad.
When it comes to Wirtz, he has proved himself capable of performing as a centre forward when required. When this happens, it could be in a false nine role similar to what Roberto Firmino perfected during his time at the club.
This could then see Dominik Szoboszlai go into the No.10 role behind Wirtz in the forward line. With Salah on the right, Diaz could switch from centre forward to the left wing.
Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk; Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Wirtz.
Left wing
Liverpool will also welcome Giorgi Mamardashvili to the club this summer as the goalkeeper moves from Valencia. The Georgian international will look to push Alisson Becker next season, while Caoimhin Kelleher's future is likely to dominate the rumour mill.
Back to Wirtz, the playmaker has performed on both the left and right wing for Leverkusen this season. If everyone is fit, though, Salah is a guaranteed starter on the right, which means Wirtz could go on the left, when he's required.
Mamardashvili; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson, Jones, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Jota.
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