Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has sung the praises of young attacker Florian Wirtz.

The Germany international has been linked with Barcelona this week.

Xabi said, "There are good players and there are 'pretty' players, who do spectacular things but not necessarily efficient.

"Why is (Lionel) Messi so good? Because he knows how and when to play with simple passes. Messi says: 'Are you in a better position? Here you have the ball'. It's not always about making the brightest move, but the best and smartest.

"Florian can do that. That's why he's so good."