He reminds me of Hazard - Ex-Liverpool winger compares Florian Wirtz to Chelsea legend

The summer transfer window has seen significant upheaval and exciting new arrivals, as Liverpool embark on a new chapter under Arne Slot.

Among the most talked-about is Florian Wirtz, the prodigious German talent recently signed from Bayer Leverkusen in a British record-breaking deal.

 The £116 million fee, potentially rising to £16 million in add-ons, speaks volumes about the Reds' ambition.

And now, former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has weighed in with a fascinating comparison for the 22-year-old, suggesting Wirtz could be the second coming of a Chelsea legend.

Speaking to Adventure Gamers, Jermaine Pennant didn't mince words when drawing parallels between Florian Wirtz and former Chelsea maestro Eden Hazard. 

"If I had to compare Florian Wirtz to a past Premier League player stylistically, then I’m thinking someone like Eden Hazard," Pennant said.

 He highlighted several striking similarities: “If you think back to the players the league has had in the past, then Hazard sticks out as someone who plays like him.

"The way he wants to dribble and jinx past players his through balls, the way he can score with his left and right foot – there are a lot of similarities.”

This comparison is particularly intriguing given Hazard's spellbinding ability to glide past defenders and unlock tight spaces with incisive passes and clinical finishes.

Wirtz, who was instrumental in Bayer Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga double last season, possesses a similar low centre of gravity, exceptional close control, and a penchant for audacious creativity.

He's a player who thrives in the attacking midfield role, pulling the strings and dictating the tempo of the game.

 Pennant’s insight further distinguished Wirtz from the likes of Kevin De Bruyne. 

“If you look at someone like Kevin De Bruyne, he was a different kind of player to Wirtz – he was more of a visionary with great IQ passing and long range shooting. I therefore think if there’s one player Wirtz reminds me of, it’s Hazard,” said the 42-year-old who made over 54 appearances for the Merseyside Reds.

Beyond the attacking prowess of Wirtz, Pennant also cast his eye over Liverpool's defensive ambitions, specifically addressing the reported interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. 

With speculation surrounding Ibrahima Konate's future and Jarell Quansah's departure to Bayer Leverkusen (as part of the Wirtz deal), a new centre-back has been a priority. 

Pennant believes Guehi would be a "brilliant addition" and could even represent an upgrade on Konate in the right centre-back position.

"I believe Liverpool fans would be happy with signing Marc Guehi even if Ibrahima Konate leaves the club," Pennant stated. 

"He’s an England international, he did really well at Crystal Palace last season and if you put him in a team like Liverpool with a stronger defence and better players, he could probably end up being better than Konate." 

The former Red emphasised Guehi's superior ball-playing ability: "What I would say is that Guehi is much better on the ball than Konate." 

With reports suggesting Liverpool have made a final £40m offer for Guehi, who has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park, this potential signing could significantly bolster Slot's defensive options and provide a strong foundation for the new era.