The ex-Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star has spoken about Liverpool’s record arrival Florian Wirtz.

Germany icon Toni Kroos has claimed that Florian Wirtz made the right call in choosing Liverpool instead of Bayern Munich.

The Reds smashed their transfer record by paying £100 million for the playmaker – with add-ons taking it to £116.5 million. Wirtz is seen as a once-in-a-generation player and enjoyed five-and-a-half stunning campaigns at Bayer Leverkusen.

He played a vital role in the Die Werkself squad that secured their first-ever Bundesliga crown in 2023-24 without suffering defeat, as well as winning the DFB-Pokal. But Wirtz felt ready for a new stage in his career this summer and had plenty of suitors.

Bayern Munich were tipped as favourites to land Wirtz, with suggestions he would stay in Germany. Manchester City were also in the chase. Yet Liverpool made their move, with head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes persuading him to join the Premier League winners.

The 22-year-old’s decision sparked heated debate in his homeland. Still, Kroos – who lifted the 2014 World Cup with Germany and claimed five Champions Leagues at Real Madrid before retiring last year – believes Wirtz made the perfect call in heading to Merseyside.

Wirtz was crowned Kicker’s Footballer of the Year for 2025 and Kroos said about his ex-international colleague: “You’re a truly remarkable footballer, in every sense. The first time I watched you, it was obvious you had far more than just the usual spark.

“Your ability to find space, your control at first touch, your final pass, and your finishing—everything stands out. And your mindset! You trust in your own abilities and it shows.

“You don’t accept any rubbish—you have that small but vital touch of arrogance, which I hope remains. I believe you chose perfectly by signing for Liverpool FC, as it matches your belief and drive.”

Wirtz impressed greatly in his Liverpool debut during the Community Shield shootout defeat to Crystal Palace. He set up Hugo Ekitike’s opener in the 2-2 draw.

With Liverpool selling Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, Slot thinks Wirtz can replace some of the creativity lost, albeit from another role.

He said: “I believe improvement is always possible in every area, and we’ve added, in my view, more attacking options. Florian offers creativity in the final third, and we’ve lost a lot of that with Trent. His crosses and vision were unique—Flo brings similar qualities but from a very different area. He delivers that spark.”