Xabi Alonso has already told Liverpool what they can expect from Florian Wirtz transfer

can expect a playmaker with similar qualities to Lionel Messi, according to Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, should they land Florian Wirtz this summer. The Reds have sensationally emerged as the favourites to sign him, with the German edging closer to a Leverkusen exit.

It was reported earlier this week that , and with other suitors Manchester City having already pulled out of the race, it's opened up the door for Liverpool. Given the calibre of sides the Merseyside outfit will have fended off, should they secure Wirtz's services, it's understandable that Liverpool fans are excited.

But it's the verdict from former Anfield hero Alonso that has got tails wagging the most, with the Spanish coach having likened him to eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi. Alonso said: "There are good players and there are players who look good on the pitch. The player who looks good does things that are nice, but not necessarily efficient.

"Why is Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play simple passes. Messi says: 'You're in a better position? Here, there you have the ball!' It's not always about making the most brilliant move, but the best and smartest. Florian can do that. That's why he's so good."

Wirtz has won 29 caps for the Germany national team, having originally made his debut under Joachim Low back in September 2021. The 22-year-old's development was stunted after he picked up an ACL tear during the 2021/22 campaign, keeping him out for the best part of a year.

Despite the setback, the former FC Koln youngster recovered well and has since avoided any long-term injuries. Following the ACL tear, Wirtz's longest stint away from the Leverkusen line-up came earlier this season, when he sat out five matches.

Wirtz's crowning moment for Leverkusen came during the 2023/24 campaign, when, under the tutelage of Alonso, he was part of the side that won the club's first-ever Bundesliga title. Not only that, but Leverkusen's only defeat of a campaign that saw them lift the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal came in the Europa League final against Atalanta.

Wirtz featured 48 times for the team from North Rhine-Westphalia, scoring 18 times and assisting a further 20. The 2003-born ace wasn't as productive this year, but he still finished the season with 31 goal contributions across all competitions for the Bundesliga runners-up.