Arne Slot has challenged Liverpool new boy Florian Wirtz to follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mo Salah at Anfield after his £116m summer move
23:19, 14 Aug 2025
Arne Slot knows Florian Wirtz has the ability to succeed at Liverpool
Slot has big hopes for his new signing(Image: PA)
Arne Slot recognises Florian Wirtz possesses the talent but has set down the gauntlet for Liverpool's new acquisition to demonstrate his durability if he wants to reach the summit. The Reds manager casually mentioned Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mo Salah when discussing the £116m man's prospects.
However, it wasn't any specific talent of those three legends that Slot was emphasising - it was their consistency. The more matches you're available for, the more opportunities you have to leave your mark, was his message before embarking on life in English football.
As the former Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Wirtz gears up to launch his Premier League journey on Friday evening against Bournemouth, Slot shared his thoughts on what's required to maximise his capabilities.
"Everything we expect is very positive but between expecting and realising something is different," said Slot. "Why is Messi and Ronaldo and Mo, why are they so highly regarded? Because they are always fit.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both regarded as the best players of their generation
Slot hopes he can become as good as Messi and Ronaldo(Image: AP)
"Every single game they are fit and that is something that Florian first has to show in a league like ours. If he is able to stay to fit then our fans will see great moments.", reports the Mirror.
Article continues below
Should Wirtz achieve anywhere near the esteem Salah commands on Merseyside, he will have maximised his capabilities. But, in a summer of transformation for Liverpool with over £300m invested and more to follow whilst nearly £200m arriving from departures, Salah will discover alterations in how the side will operate.
Not least the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who featured in 70% of his matches wearing the red jersey, helping boost his overall goal tally to 245 and rising. Come Friday evening, he'll have Jeremie Frimpong operating behind him, with Conor Bradley potentially filling that role once he returns to fitness.
Salah appeared somewhat cut off during Liverpool's penalty shootout loss to Crystal Palace last week, finding it tough to make his mark on proceedings, though Slot isn't troubled by this display.
"No the last time we were at Wembley he didn't play his best game as well," said Slot, referencing the Carabao Cup final defeat by Newcastle last season.
"By the way Trent wasn't playing behind them then, it was Jarell [Quansah]. But even players like Mo can have a game where they maybe don't play how we expect them to play.
"The good thing for us is that it hardly ever happens, he is nine out of 10 times the best version of himself and sometimes it is also the quality of the opponent or the playing style of the opponent that makes it really difficult for him."
Slot highlighted Palace's defensive setup and direct approach from open play as creating difficulties for Liverpool. This explains his efforts to develop the squad during the summer window, alongside players seeking fresh challenges elsewhere.
Florian Wirtz in action during the Community Shield
Wirtz makes his Premier League debut tomorrow(Image: Nigel French/Getty Images)
Wirtz, aged 22, possesses the ability to break down any defensive line given his exceptional performances in the Bundesliga. Anfield will witness their first competitive glimpse of the Germany international donning Liverpool colours, with anticipation building across Merseyside about his arrival more than any other new recruit - and there have been several.
However, the hefty transfer fee brings with it a certain level of pressure. Slot, however, isn't worried.
"He might be young but he already won a lot," he stated. "Factually, we can see him as a young player but in terms of his experience, I don't see him as a young player.
"He won the league with Germany, won the cup, has played for his country numerous times and apart from that, his mentality is his biggest strength.
Article continues below
"That says a lot because if you see him play, you're like: 'Are you serious because he's so creative'. But how mentally strong he is, he doesn't get distracted at all by a transfer fee or anything else."