Sergio Aguero has thrown his support behind Florian Wirtz, insisting the 22-year-old will become a "vital" player for Liverpool despite a challenging start. Since his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in June, Wirtz has struggled to find his footing at Anfield.
The German international has yet to score in 16 appearances under Arne Slot's management. Despite contributing three assists - two in the Champions League and one in the FA Cup - Wirtz hasn't consistently performed well enough to secure a regular place in the starting line-up, often being rotated with Cody Gakpo.
However, former Manchester City striker Aguero is confident that it's only a matter of time before Wirtz hits his stride and becomes a key figure for the Reds.
In a conversation with Stake, Aguero offered his perspective on Wirtz: "It's hard to give advice. Players have different personalities and their adaptation times vary. Some adapt quickly and others need more time.
"But I have no doubt he will settle. Great players – and Wirtz is one – sooner or later settle and become vital in their teams."
Aguero's remarks come shortly after ex-Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann suggested that he wouldn't be shocked if Wirtz was loaned out during the January transfer window.
"Could Florian Wirtz still leave Liverpool on loan in January? Yeah," Hamann stated.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool (Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
"Obviously with all the help and all the protection from the club and the manager, if you bring somebody in for that amount of money, then maybe he should be the one, even though he's still very young, then maybe you expect him to turn things around.
"I don't think, the way he's playing at the moment, I'm not sure he's capable of doing that. And when I watch him sometimes, you know, thinking, has he lost belief because it is in the Premier League?".
"Sometimes when I watch him when he loses possession, I'm thinking maybe it's because it's a lot quicker, a lot more physical, as if he were to say, 'I'm not sure that's for me.'".
"I hope I'm wrong, but this is how it looks to me. Sometimes if it's going on for too long, you know, it's very hard to turn it around."
Mohamed Salah looking dejected during Liverpool's Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield
Mohamed Salah looking dejected (Image: Getty Images)
Alongside discussing Wirtz, Aguero also offered his thoughts on Mohamed Salah and the Egyptian's current difficulties finding the back of the net. The 33 year old has managed just five goals across 18 appearances this campaign.
"Never doubt a great goalscorer," Aguero added. "Salah has a great scoring average and I'm sure he'll get back to his rhythm.
"I think he was affected by his team not having the best start. And a player can't do everything alone."