Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler is tipping Florian Wirtz to provide the extra stardust to help the Reds keep the chasing pack at bay and defend their Premier League title.
Fowler, one of Liverpool's most beloved players, will be pitchside for Stan Sport and Nine at Saturday's intriguing clash between Aston Villa and Newcastle United (9.30pm kickoff AEST).
Liverpool were rocked by Diogo Jota's tragic death in July and were upset by Crystal Palace on penalties in the Community Shield on Monday (AEST).
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Robbie Fowler of Liverpool celebrates scoring the third goal against Aston Villa.
Robbie Fowler of Liverpool celebrates scoring the third goal against Aston Villa. Getty
But Fowler, the ninth highest goal scorer in Premier League history with 163, believes the bookmakers have it right in installing Liverpool as slight title favourites ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City.
Liverpool certainly aren't resting on their laurels, with ownership allowing manager Arne Slot to spend more than $535m in the offseason.
And they're not finished yet, with Newcastle's wantaway striker Alexander Isak also in their crosshairs.
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Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's first goal.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's first goal. Getty
Only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (29) scored more Premier League goals than Isak (23) last season.
"The manager has a year in England under his belt and they are the team again to beat," Fowler told Stan Sport ahead of Liverpool's season-opening clash with Bournemouth (Saturday 5am kickoff AEST).
"They are arguably stronger if you look at their signings. The club have played a blinder in getting the calibre of these players in. Trent Alexander-Arnold has left and we all know his quality but Jeremie Frimpong has looked good, you have goals in Hugo Ekitike and you have Isak being mentioned.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool runs with the ball.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool runs with the ball. Getty
"And I really like Florian Wirtz. He looks like a player who can open up defences and help Liverpool become champions again, which I think they will. They will have to earn it but they are again the team to beat."
Wirtz alone cost Liverpool $241.5m to prize away from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has already played 31 times for Germany and the best is yet to come from one of the world's best technicians.
Robbie Fowler at Wembley Stadium.
Robbie Fowler at Wembley Stadium. Getty
"He was the standout player in Germany for a few years and has looked sharp so far. I'm sure he will find his feet soon," said Fowler, who played 236 games for Liverpool between 1993-2001.
"It helps when you are playing with such good players around you to settle in. The likes of Mo Salah will take the pressure off him and he's showing no signs of slowing down and remains such a threat. He occupies defenders and that will only allow Wirtz, who has a big price tag on his head, to find his feet in his own time.
"Salah will probably be vying with (Erling) Haaland for the golden boot but Wirtz will be providing him with extra ammunition."
Manchester City won four straight titles under Pep Guardiola before Liverpool stormed through all-comers last season.
Slot's men won the league by 10 points from Arsenal in one of the most impressive debut seasons by a Premier League manager ever.
But Fowler thinks the race will be much closer in 2025-26.
A mural of former player Robbie Fowler seen on the side of a house in Liverpool.
A mural of former player Robbie Fowler seen on the side of a house in Liverpool. Getty
"Man City and Arsenal will be stronger than last season, no doubt about that," he said.
"Pep will be smarting from last season in being so far off, probably a one off, and with Erling Haaland in their side you know there's goals aplenty. Arsenal will also be a lot stronger. A good signing in Viktor Gyokeres, a striker the club have needed for years.
"A real poacher as they create a lot of chances. But don't forget Chelsea. Some very shrewd recruitment and they are fresh off winning the Club World Cup."
Fowler is also tipping Villa to knock over Newcastle on Saturday.
"It's an intriguing game. Both were battling for Champions League qualification last season and there was little to separate them. Newcastle aren't far away and they were so good in the Carabao Cup final last season, I was really impressed with them, but their pre-season has been disrupted with internal issues regarding Alexander Isak's future.
"If he does stay it's a huge boost but for now it's not ideal going into a big season. Villa have recruited well, had a good preseason, so l have to go for a home win," he said.
Robbie Fowler scores from a header for North Queensland Fury against the Wellington Phoenix.
Robbie Fowler scores from a header for North Queensland Fury against the Wellington Phoenix. Getty
Fowler has a special connection with Australia, having played for North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory at the tail end of an illustrious career.
The now 50-year-old also managed Brisbane Roar in 2019-20.
He urged non-football fans to give the Premier League a shot.
Brisbane Roar coach Robbie Fowler celebrates victory at Leichhardt Oval.
Brisbane Roar coach Robbie Fowler celebrates victory at Leichhardt Oval. Getty
"I loved my time in Australia. I'm very excited about joining Stan Sport for the best coverage of the Premier League that Australia has ever seen," Fowler said.
"For me it's still and has always been the best league in the world. It's not just the speed and intensity of games but it's the competitiveness of it. On any given day any team can beat another. It has the best players and the stadiums are packed every week.
"It's the year-round excitement and it seems to be better and bigger every year."