Florian Wirtz should follow Xabi Alonso’s lead and reject interest from Europe’s top clubs to stay at Bayer Leverkusen beyond this season, says former Germany international Carsten Ramelow.
Wirtz has been one of the standout performers in a remarkable campaign for Leverkusen, who are just one win away from clinching their first Bundesliga title.
The attacking midfielder has 18 goal involvements in 28 league outings this term (eight goals, 10 assists), with his latest goal coming from the penalty spot in Saturday’s win over Union Berlin.
Among all Bundesliga players, Wirtz ranks third for successful dribbles (77), fifth for chances created (70) and fourth for expected assists (9.23 xA) this season.
His performances have won him plenty of admirers, with Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid among those credited with an interest in the 20-year-old.
However, after seeing head coach Alonso reaffirm his commitment to Leverkusen, Ramelow, who made over 400 appearances for Die Werkself between 1995 and 2008, thinks Wirtz should follow suit.
28 – Bayer 04 Leverkusen have remained undefeated in their 28th game of this Bundesliga season (W24 D4) – a joint-Bundesliga record, only FC Bayern previously went undefea
