Teamwork makes the dream work

Liverpool wish to signal £38m star forward of Man Utd

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Liverpool gained the title in beautiful vogue just some weeks in the past, hovering far above Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis.

Since then, it has been a story of each woe and pleasure so far as the switch window is worried.

The market is not even open but, however it has been a hubbub of exercise at Anfield with Trent Alexander-Arnold asserting his choice to go away and a swift substitute now set to reach within the type of Jeremie Frimpong.

However, their dealings with Bayer Leverkusen might not cease there with Florian Wirtz a precedence goal too.

The newest on Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz

Information broke earlier within the week, courtesy of The Athletic’s David Ornstein, that Liverpool are concerned with signing Wirtz this summer time.

But, there are some issues, not least that he might price over £100m, however the truth that Bayern Munich (the present favourites) and Manchester Metropolis additionally wish to purchase his signature over the forthcoming weeks.

Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz reacts after the match

It is mentioned that Leverkusen would somewhat promote overseas – comprehensible given their current title rivalry with Bayern.

In keeping with reviews, Wirtz has spoken to Slot however whether or not he can persuade the German to maneuver to Anfield simply as he did with Frimpong stays to be seen.

Liverpool’s most interesting Wirtz various

Consequently, the Reds might flip their attentions elsewhere. Reviews have recommended that the out-of-contract Kevin De Bruyne is one possibility, whereas different claims point out Lyon’s Rayan Cherki desires to maneuver to the Premier League this summer time.

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Another choice may very well be Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono who at present performs for River Plate in his homeland.

In keeping with journalist Graeme Bailey, Manchester United have already held talks over signing the 17-year-old, probably set to set off his £38m launch clause.

Franco Mastantuono during the match

Regardless of United’s big curiosity within the participant, the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have additionally solid their eyes within the course of the attacking midfielder.

How Mastantuono compares to Wirtz

It goes with out saying that Wirtz can be the higher addition at this present second in time. Nevertheless, for a fraction of the value, Slot might signal a really comparable participant who probably has a fair brighter future within the sport.

Within the phrases of knowledge analyst Ben Mattinson, Mastantuono has a “wand of a left foot capable of unlock defences and create moments of magic”. Able to enjoying off the proper and thru the center, it is clear to see the place the Wirtz comparisons emerge from.

The German celebrity can be left-footed, somebody able to enjoying off the proper or behind the striker. He has been nothing wanting sensational this time period, scoring 16 objectives and supplying 15 assists in 45 outings, a aim involvement each 1.4 video games.

By the use of comparability, Mastantuono six objectives and 4 assists in 17 matches in 2025, a contribution each 1.7 matches. For somebody so younger, that is a incredible return.

Mastantuono

On the similar age, Wirtz was additionally making sturdy headway within the skilled sport. Within the 2020/21 season, the younger German caught the attention by scoring 5 occasions and helping six in 29 matches.

Mastantuono will not be doing that in Europe simply but, however the “particular, particular expertise” within the phrases of Mattinson has all of the instruments to change into a real elite expertise.

Additional hailed as a “world-class expertise” by scout Jacek Kulig, the Argentine stacks up properly in comparison with his older positional peer.

Mastantuono vs Wirtz

Stat (per 90 minutes)

Mastantuono

Wirtz

Objectives

0.36

0.38

Assists

0.38

0.46

Photographs

4.94

2.84

Key passes

2.77

2.18

Progressive passes

3.37

6.74

Shot-creating actions

6.87

5.67

Profitable take-ons

3.73

3.14

Progressive carries

4.94

5.02

Stats through FBRef.

Whereas Wirtz’s output for objectives and assists is at present higher, you may see the sheer stage of potential that the River Plate starlet has right here.

Regardless of his uncooked age, he is already having extra photographs per 90 minutes and his charge of shot-creating actions are by the roof.

He’ll solely proceed to get higher and as soon as he matures and develops additional, this can be a aim and help machine within the making. Let’s simply say he might rival Wirtz for probably the greatest attacking midfielders within the sport in a couple of years’ time.

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