Cole Palmer vs Florian Wirtz: Granit Xhaka names the better player of the two
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Wirtz is struggling in a different way, as he continues his search for his first goal contribution in a Liverpool shirt since his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen. In fact, he would take Wirtz over Palmer, despite the Englishman’s brilliant last two seasons, which have seen him score 37 Premier League goals for Chelsea. ‘Between Palmer and Flo Wirtz, let’s say with Flo Wirtz, I had the joy to be with him for three years,’ the Swiss midfielder told Sky Sports. ‘You will, a lot of English people will enjoy him because he’s unbelievable, not just with the ball, but the work without the ball.
Florian Wirtz has had an underwhelming start at Liverpool (Picture: AP) ‘I didn’t see many No. 10s on his level without the ball and with the ball. ‘To be in this age 20-21 to have this mentality, the work to put (in) day by day, before the training and after the training, to be angry if you don’t win a training session, this is Florian Wirtz. ‘I saw him for two, and I have a lot of respect for Palmer as well, but because I was with Wirtz for two years and I know how much he can bring to the Premier League. ‘Hopefully not against us, Sunderland, but the rest of the year I wish him just the best because he deserves that.’ Granit Xhaka joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer (Picture: Getty Images) Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has defended Wirtz’s start at Liverpool, pointing out that while he hasn’t scored or assisted a goal yet, he has been creating chances for his teammates. ‘Even though he hasn’t scored any goals, he is still the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League,’ Nagelsmann said. ‘It’s not his fault if his teammates don’t convert them, and the statistics don’t even tell the whole story.
He hasn’t always had it easy – he’ll have to work hard now too. ‘Wirtz needs to get used to the league. He knows what he’s capable of and how things work.’ Palmer is not expected to return until November (Picture: Getty Images) Palmer’s groin issue has kept him out of the current international break and the BBC report that he is not expected to return to the pitch until November.