What separates Wirtz from so many others isn't just his touch or vision, it's his mentality.

Even early in his Bundesliga career, he carried himself like a leader.

Some mistake his quiet, understated demeanour for simplicity, and Wirtz doesn't go out of his way to change that image.

A viral TikTok clip from the national team saw Wirtz rank his favourite foods, declaring "normal potatoes… I would say are number one".

Liverpool bring back £20m player who 'never wanted to leave' as new backroom role is filled	Liverpool warn fans they face lifetime Anfield ban if they bring illegal item for title celebrations	Full map route for Liverpool FC victory parade

It became a meme across German football - fans plastered potato images over his face, and the quote even made it into summer dance tracks.

"I don't find it entertaining," he told Kicker.

He's the full package."

Ex-Leverkusen head coach Seoane once praised Wirtz's composure and decision-making in tight spaces, noting how he remains ice-cold when accelerating into dangerous areas.

Alonso, too, has regularly lauded his character and fearlessness: "He will always try something."

Off the pitch, Wirtz remains grounded.

My parents would be angry if I ever gave money priority," Wirtz told Sports Illustrated earlier this month, revealing his mum and dad would give him a 150 euro-a-month allowance early in his career.

Some critics argue Wirtz might have missed endorsement opportunities with such a homegrown support structure.