Wirtz is set to make his Premier League debut when the reigning champions kick off their campaign at home against Bournemouth on Friday. While Slot praised the German international\u2019s smooth adaptation - saying it \u201cwent better than expected, and we already expected a lot\u201d - he acknowledged that a true measure of his impact will take time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Liverpool view the 22-year-old as a game-changing addition, much like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson were in their early days at the club. Slot believes Wirtz can reach a similar level of influence by following in the footsteps of Salah, who remains the benchmark at Anfield and holds the Premier League record with nine goals in seven opening-day appearances.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Slot was asked whether Wirtz was a signing to take Liverpool to the next level. \u201cThat is something I can only answer in the upcoming years. \u00adEverything we expect is very positive, but between expecting and realising something is different,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhy are Messi and Ronaldo and Mo so highly regarded? Because they are always fit. Every single game they are fit and that is something that \u00adFlorian first has to show in a league like ours. If he is able to stay fit then our fans will see great moments.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Liverpool shelled out a club-record 100 million pounds to secure attacking midfielder Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, a fee that could rise to a British record 116 million pounds with add-ons. Despite the hefty price tag and strong interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Slot insists Wirtz\u2019s arrival isn\u2019t intended as a statement signing by the club.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhy are Messi and Ronaldo and Mo so highly regarded? Because they are always fit. Every single game they are fit and that is something that \u00adFlorian first has to show in a league like ours. If he is able to stay fit then our fans will see great moments.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe is a different profile to what we have. That is what we wanted \u2013 to bring a different profile in rather than adding something that we already had. It is very positive that we could bring in such a highly regarded player, but Liverpool has always been able to bring in these kinds of players.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n