Florian Wirtz #17

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In Germany, Wirtz is known as the player who made Bayer Leverkusen’s miraculous league and cup double in 2024 possible, ending Bayern Munich’s long-standing dominance. He has also shone for Germany, including a sensational performance in the 4-3 victory against Switzerland in March, but his major breakthrough is yet to come. Has had an up-and-down first season at Anfield after his £100m transfer last summer with his manager Arne Slot saying things will only get better. “Full credit to Wirtz on the pitch and the gym, putting in the work,” the Dutchman says. “If someone is struggling physically at the start, you have to keep them in to improve and he was an example of that.” When his pre‑Euro 2024 ranking of potato dishes on the German football federation’s TikTok account went viral (he put a “normal” potato at No 1 to much public amusement), he responded: “I don’t find it entertaining at all.” At the World Cup it still remains to be seen whether he will be given the central role his talent warrants.

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