Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez has been impressed by £116million fellow newcomer Florian Wirtz in training as he battles to show he deserves a spot in Arne Slot's starting eleven this season. Kerkez, 21, faces the challenge of displacing two-time Premier League champion Andy Robertson to be Slot's No.1 left-back after his £40million switch from Bournemouth.
Whilst Robertson may be a decade his senior, the Scotland skipper has already earned recognition as a genuine Kop icon. However, Kerkez declared: "It's Liverpool, so you always fight for your position. You have to train good in every training session and play well in every game. You have to play good and then the gaffer decides who's playing at the weekend."
While battling to impress, Kerkez has been struck by the influence of British-record acquisition Wirtz since his move from Bayer Leverkusen. He continued: "Obviously he (Wirtz) is very talented. All the guys know because everyone watches him in the Bundesliga. He's a special player.
"He's really technically gifted. I don't see that level too much or too often but he does special things - maybe too much in a single training session - but also also in a game.
"Would I mark him? For me it's no problem! I now say good stuff. But not with me! But yes, Wirtz is really talented. If you give him one or two metres, he's going to get you. Just the vision of the passes is special.
"You can only see it in previous pre-season games. He will be a great addition to this club."