Bayer Leverkusen overcame Freiburg 3-2 at the Europa-Park Stadion to maintain their ten-point lead over Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table. Despite the hosts’ best efforts to mount a comeback, goals from Florian Wirtz, Adam Hložek, and Patrik Schick ultimately saw Die Wekrkslef escape with all three points.
Nevertheless, it was the performance of the first goalscorer, Florian Wirtz, that stole the show. As well as his opening strike, the 20-year-old created two chances, completed three successful dribbles, and won ten duals throughout the contest.
Consequently, this saw Wirtz rewarded with FotMob’s Player of the Match award, boasting an 8.9 rating. However, this does beg the question: Should Florian Wirtz start over Jamal Musiala for Germany at EURO 2024?
With Leverkusen’s star man once again proving to be the most influential player on the pitch, should he also be Germany’s key figure in the summer? Both Wirtz and Musiala burst onto the scene together, with suggestions that they would guide the German national team to further success.
However, there has been considerable debate around whether the two could actually play together in the same team. Due to both being at their brilliant best when in the central number ten position, this has made utilising both fairly difficult for Julian Nagelsmann.
Regardless, the former Bayern head coach has played Wirtz and Musiala in the same starting XI in two of his four games in charge, with Wirtz the one pushed out wide. Nevertheless, Wirtz’s performances this season suggest it should be the other way around.
The Leverkusen midfielder has registered 27 goal contributions this season, compared to Musiala’s 19. As well as this, Bayern’s talented youngster has actually been performing at his finest from the left-hand side this campaign.
Therefore, if Nagelsmann wants to get the most out of his attacking talent this summer, then both Musiala and Wirtz can certainly start together. However, it should be Wirtz occupying the number ten position, as from what we have seen this season, and against Freiburg, he is Germany’s most creative and influential player.
GGFN | Will Shopland
