Bayer Leverkusen host AC Milan in the Champions League on Oct 1, hoping for a sparkling performance from star midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Still just 21, Wirtz will make his home debut in the competition, having missed Leverkusen's 2022-23 Champions League campaign with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
That he will do so against seven-time champions Milan feels appropriate for a player tipped for a long career on the European stage.
Leverkusen have a squad deep in quality and Xabi Alonso's coaching has been praised, but Wirtz is central to everything the team do.
Known primarily for his midfield creativity, he is also a goal threat. He has four goals in five league games this season.
In a team featuring Granit Xhaka, Victor Boniface, Patrik Schick, Alex Grimaldo and Exequiel Palacios, Wirtz is trusted enough to be Leverkusen's designated penalty taker.
この記事は The Straits Times の October 01, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Straits Times の October 01, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
More local consumer protection rules for retail crypto investors on the way
Digital asset firms that are licensed in Singapore will have to comply with rules that protect retail consumers in two phases, in October and in June 2025.
Maeder looks back and learns from Olympics
Max Maeder digs into his avocado omelette at the Fullerton Hotel and contemplates between morsels. A thousand, he estimates.
FROM CHAMP TO UNDERDOG
Mental health issues have affected Ding's form ahead of World Chess Championship
Historic futsal feat inspires young Afghans
Inspired by the \"extraordinary\" rise of his country's national futsal team, Mustafa beats the dawn every day to train in a busy sports complex in central Kabul.
TEN HAG DOESN'T FEAR GETTING SACKED
United manager says he is in same boat as club owners after 3-0 home defeat by Spurs
Atletico draw a 'good point' for future: Ancelotti
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was disappointed that his side allowed hosts Atletico Madrid to snatch a 1-1 draw with a goal deep into added time in their La Liga clash on Sept 29 at the Metropolitano.
Leverkusen to help Wirtz shine on European stage
BAYER LEVERKUSEN V AC MILAN Singtel TV Ch126 & StarHub Ch213, Oct 2, 3am
LATE WINS SHAPE GUNNERS: ARTETA
He says his men need to win in 'different contexts' ahead of clash with dominant PSG
Bratislava counting on their two City 'insiders'
SLOVAN BRATISLAVA V MAN CITY Singtel TV Ch129 & StarHub Ch215, Oct 2, 3am
Swiss government will back 'modest' 2038 Winter Games bid
Switzerland's government pledged its support for a local bid for the 2038 Winter Olympics, which vows to use only existing facilities, spread the Games across the whole country and draw funding mainly from the private sector.
