Europa League Final | Predicted Bayer Leverkusen XI vs Atalanta: Florian Wirtz fit enough to start
Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Florian Wirtz is fit enough to start for Bayer Leverkusen in what is there first European Cup final since 2002. The Bundesliga champions have a full strength squad available, and remain unbeaten across all competitions this season.
The Spaniard added that Matěj Kovář will start in goal, as he has done in all cup competitions this season. With no injury concerns, Alonso faces a selection headache. Jeremie Frimpong could start in an advanced role alongside Wirtz, with Josip Stanisic providing cover, while the biggest call will no doubt come up top.
After missing Bayer Leverkusen’s last two Bundesliga games, Wirtz, who was crowned Bundesliga Player of the Season, played 27 minutes against Augsburg at the weekend and should start. But who acts as the focal point for Leverkusen is a big call. Amine Adli is a different profile to what Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick offer, but Kicker has the Moroccon starting.
Alonso has plenty options off the bench should he need them. Arthur has returned from injury, Robert Andrich can provide defensive stability in midfield while Jonas Hofmann, Nathan Tella, Adam Hlozek, Borja Iglesias, Boniface and Schick all provide depth in attack.
Predicted Bayer Leverkusen XI vs Atalanta
Matěj Kovář – Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapie – Josip Stanisic, Exequiel Palacios, Granit Xhaka, Alejandro Grimaldo – Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz – Amine Adli. (Kicker)
