Euro 2024 has arrived at the most awaited moment, namely the knockout stage. Today in fact the round of 16 begins. And while, as is normal, all eyes in the Belpaese will be focused on Switzerland-Italy, we cannot forget that an interesting challenge is undoubtedly also the one between Germany and Switzerland. A match where there will be many long-distance duels. However, what stands out is the one between Højlund and Wirtz. A face to face that leads to wondering who it could be the star of the future. To answer, we can only analyze the career and characteristics of the two.
Højlund, yet another (won) bet for Atalanta
Born in Copenhagen in 2003, he grew up in the youth teams of the Danish city club. His first team debut came in 2020 and his performance was good right from the start, although not exceptional in terms of goals: 5 goals in 32 appearances. These numbers still earned him the call of the Storm Graz. In the Austrian first division he continued his maturation, with 12 goals and one assist. In short, it was immediately clear that, under the door, the boy knew what he was about. The rest is recent history and is known very well.
In fact, in the summer of 2022Atalanta is betting on Højlund, spending 17 million euros. And it was with the Orobic team that the Scandinavian attacker finally exploded. The striker literally bewitched Serie A. The first goal arrived on 5 September, with a season that ended with 9 goals. What struck us first and foremost was his physicality, with the comparison with Haaland being immediate. The class of 2003 has no shortage of eye for goal, speed and technique. All characteristics that allow him to be a modern attacker, capable of varying across the entire offensive front. In short, to use a term from the world of basketball, a real pivot, capable of scoring, but also of playing on the sidelines and making his teammates score. All qualities that have convinced the Manchester United to invest 70 million euros plus 10 million bonuses. With i Red Devils he managed to score in the Champions League and, after a difficult start in the Premier League, he was a great protagonist in the second round, reaching double figures.
Wirtz, from Bayer Leverkusen to Germany
Also born in 2003, he is considered, together with Havertz, the star of Germany. Raised in Cologne, he arrived at the age of just 16 Bayer Leverkusen and became the youngest debutant in the club’s history, playing his first match at 17. His growth was exponential and he immediately became a pillar and a key element. It is no coincidence that today, it is also the youngest goalscorer in the Bundesliga, scoring at the age of 17 years and 34 days the goal of the final 2-4 in the home defeat against Bayern Munich. So the future really depends on his feet, his goals, his assists and his plays, which are also selling in this European Championship. After some good seasons, his consecration came this year, thanks also to the historic season experienced by Bayer Leverkusen. Behind his definitive explosion, there is undoubtedly the hand of Xabi Alonso. Wirtz has scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists in the Bundesliga. To these we must add the 4 goals and 4 assists in the Europa League and the 3 goals and 4 assists in the German Cup. His numbers are mind-boggling.
But what kind of player is the Teutonic? We are talking about a purely offensive midfielder, or rather a modern attacking midfielder. Many think that he is a true innovator of this role. His strengths are insertion ability and technique. Technique that allows him to do what he wants when he has the ball at his feet, with an extraordinary vision of the game. Maybe he lacks a little in speed, but his agility allows him to almost always find the right play. Not to forget his precise and powerful shot and his personality, which make him an authentic leader.
Who is stronger?
It is clear that we are talking about two different players: Højlund is a central striker, while Wirtz, despite having strong offensive skills, is a midfielder. What they have in common is their sense of goal, seeing the goal a lot and above all their age. An age that allows both of us to have very large margins for improvement. However, having to make a name and a choice, the German has shown to date, and also in this European Championship, that he has something more. Surely on his side there is the strength of Germany and a Bayer that has lived a golden year, while the Dane has had to deal with the ups and downs of United. But who knows, maybe his redemption can start right in today’s match. Football, after all, always offers so many opportunities.
2024-06-29 11:19:24
#Højlund #Wirtz
