Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has openly praised Florian Wirtz amid Liverpool's ongoing negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for a record-breaking club deal. The Reds heightened their bid to a total of $153 million on Friday, eager to secure Wirtz's services.
The 22-year-old German international demonstrated his prowess by netting the first goal in the Nations League semi-final against Portugal, despite the team ultimately succumbing to a 2-1 loss.
Looking ahead, Germany sets its sights on clinching the third spot in today's play-off (Sunday, June 8), where Wirtz is geared up to challenge none other than Mbappe and his French compatriots.
Responding to the buzz about Wirtz potentially donning a Liverpool jersey, Mbappe didn't hold back his esteem for the talented midfielder.
"He is a top talent and I think Germany can consider itself lucky to have a player like him," lauded Mbappe. "I like him and I enjoy watching him play.
"It looks like he'll move this summer. Then we'll see how things go for him and if he can still improve. But he's a really good player."
Florian Wirtz lines up with his Germany teammates ahead of facing Portugal
Florian Wirtz looks to be closing in on a move to Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
Mbappe also weighed in on the prospects of his fellow countryman and Paris Saint-Germain standout Ousmane Dembele, endorsing him as this year's deserving Ballon d'Or recipient.
Since Mbappe's switch to Real, Dembele has emerged as PSG's lynchpin, particularly shining bright during their Champions League triumph this season.
The prolific winger dazzled with 33 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, contributing a notable double in the spectacular 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final, propelling PSG to an illustrious treble victory.
Mohamed Salah's stunning form initially made him a frontrunner for the coveted award, netting an impressive 34 goals coupled with 23 assists in 52 outings for Premier League champions Liverpool.
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Despite his phenomenal contribution, Salah couldn't steer Liverpool past PSG in the Champions League round-of-16, where Dembele's goal in the second leg at Anfield led to a penalty shootout, where the Reds ultimately succumbed.
Mbappe, speaking about this season's Ballon d'Or contenders, pointedly snubbed Salah in favor of his compatriot, saying: "Would I vote for Dembele? Yes," and emphasizing the straightforward nature of his choice by adding: "Is there really any need to explain?"
"We're talking about (Lamine) Yamal and Dembele, I'm going for Dembele. It's very clear!
"Things are evolving very quickly, as the last few winners have shown. We weren't talking about certain players who ultimately won. Is it September?
"A lot will happen between now and then, but today we're talking about Ousmane and Lamine. That's why I responded."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.