2 hours ago
3
Germany legend Michael Ballack says Florian Wirtz was right to join Liverpool over Bayern Munich this summer — because the level of the Bundesliga cannot compare to the Premier League.
In previous times, most German players would have chosen to stay in their homeland and move to the Allianz Arena. Indeed, for a long time, that was the expectation with Wirtz.
However, a chat with Arne Slot convinced Wirtz and his family that a move to England was for the best, leaving Bayern Munich furious. Ballack, who also played in the Premier League with Chelsea, thinks it points to a wider pattern.
"Does it make sense for him and his development to play in the Bundesliga for Bayern for another two or three years? Of course, he wins championships there, but is the Bundesliga still a challenge for him at the highest level?" Ballack, speaking to Sport BILD, asked.
"No, because the Bundesliga was overtaken by the Premier League years ago. That’s the reality.
"That’s why it’s generally no longer as attractive for the absolute top players. That’s why changes are needed."
The financial power of the Premier League has skewed the European game but German clubs have also seemingly gone awry.
Borussia Dortmund is no longer as effective as it once was at developing players, while life without Xabi Alonso has not gone well for Bayer Leverkusen, who have already fired Erik ten Hag.
Even Bayern Munich is not at the same level that it was previously. Michael Olise and Harry Kane have gone there and done very well, but spending so much money on a 28-year-old Luis Diaz can be questioned.
Last summer, Bayern spent big money on another aging player in Joao Palhinha, who is now on loan at Spurs, and it has fallen away from being one of the favorites for the Champions League.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Speaking to the German outlet Kicker in August, Wirtz discussed his reasoning behind joining Liverpool. "The discussions with Arne were very, very good from the very beginning," he said.
"He won me over from the very first meeting. He gave me clear ideas and a clear vision of how he could and wanted to use me in his team. This, combined with the composition of the team, really convinced me."
Liverpool.com says: Wirtz is going to be a success at Anfield. He is simply too talented not to make it work on English soil. His early performances haven't shown his full potential but moving forward, that will change — perhaps starting at Burnley on Sunday.
English (US) ·