Florian Wirtz makes history on UCL bow with Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen youngster Florian Wirtz made history on his UEFA Champions League debut, becoming the youngest German to ever start a game in the competition.

The 17-year-old midfielder was handed a starting berth by Peter Bosz for Leverkusen's clash against Lokomotiv Moscow on Wednesday night.

Wirtz, who only made his Bundesliga debut in May, impressed on his European bow, playing a key role in Leverkusen's 2-1 victory.

He became the youngest German to start a Champions League game, breaking the record previously held by Kai Havertz, who was 18 years and 312 days old when he made his debut for Bayer Leverkusen in 2016.

Wirtz's performance was all the more impressive considering the fact that he was playing against a Lokomotiv Moscow side that had won their previous two Champions League games.

The teenager showed no signs of nerves, playing with confidence and maturity beyond his years.

He was unlucky not to score himself, hitting the post in the first half with a fine strike from distance.

However, he did play a key role in Leverkusen's opening goal, winning the ball back high up the pitch before playing in Moussa Diaby, who crossed for Patrik Schick to score.

Wirtz's performance will have given Leverkusen fans plenty of hope for the future.

The youngster is one of the most highly-rated talents in German football, and he has already shown that he has the ability to play at the highest level.

If he continues to develop at his current rate, he has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world.