Xabi Alonso believes Florian Wirtz played a crucial role in his journey to becoming Real Madrid's head coach. The Spanish manager guided Bayer Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title with Wirtz as his star player.
"He was so special, and probably one of the reasons that I am here (at Real) is because of Flo. I am thankful for him," Alonso told reporters ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Liverpool.
Wirtz, who joined Liverpool this summer for a hefty £100 million plus potential bonuses, has yet to score in 14 appearances for the Reds. The 22-year-old German midfielder was named Bundesliga Player of the Season during Leverkusen's dominant 2023-24 campaign.
Adjustment Period Normal for Wirtz
Alonso, who played 210 games for Liverpool between 2004-2009, understands the challenges Wirtz faces in England. He believes patience is key for the young talent.
"It's a big change for him to come here to Liverpool after so many years in Germany, his whole life, and a few years in Leverkusen," explained Alonso. "He needs to adapt, but he's a really special player. He has the quality, he has the personality, he's competitive."
Liverpool fans hoping to see Wirtz's true potential should take comfort in Alonso's words. The adjustment period is normal for players moving to the Premier League, especially those making their first move abroad.
Vinicius Drama Behind Real Madrid
Alonso also addressed Vinicius Jr's recent outburst after being substituted during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Barcelona. The Brazilian winger publicly apologized for his reaction.
"Important that he spoke to his teammates about it, and it was just left and underlined after that and finished," said Alonso. "We don't want it to happen again... The chapter has closed."
This indicates good man-management from Alonso, crucial for Real Madrid's continued success this season. Team harmony will be essential as they pursue both domestic and Champions League glory.
For bettors, Wirtz's adjustment period suggests caution when backing him for anytime goalscorer markets in the immediate future. However, his quality suggests he could become a valuable betting option once fully settled at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid's quick resolution of the Vinicius situation points to a united squad under Alonso's leadership. This cohesion makes them strong contenders in all competitions, something to consider when placing outright winner bets.
The Champions League meeting between Liverpool and Real Madrid promises to be fascinating, with Alonso facing his former club and Wirtz potentially eager to impress against his former mentor. This personal storyline adds an intriguing dimension to an already high-stakes European encounter.
