Liverpool head back into Premier League action at Burnley on September 14.
The defending champions cruised to three wins from their opening games in August before the majority of Arne Slot's squad headed away on international duty.
As part of a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign, Slot has looked to ease his new signings into the Reds starting XI, with Hugo Ekitike the standout performer.
The France international has scored three goals since his summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt, and looks ready to fight for his place, following the deadline day arrival of Alexander Isak.
Ekitike, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz have been unmoved as Slot's starting 'front four' with one goal each for Salah and Gakpo.
The deal to sign Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen smashed the Premier League transfer record back in June, with Isak's arrival then setting a fresh benchmark, and the German playmaker is yet to hit top form.
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16 goals and 14 assists in all competitions at Leverkusen in 2024/25 caught Slot's eye, and secured his move to Liverpool, but he is yet to register a goal or assist in the Premier League.
Slot is expected to stick by the 22-year-old, as part of a busy September, but he may look to pull him out of certain games to protect his confidence.
Former Liverpool star Michael Owen has backed Wirtz's talent to shine through eventually, but Owen's ex-teammate Didi Hamann believes the clock is ticking for Wirtz to step up.
"I've no doubt whatsoever he will succeed in England, but he has to mature now. The game is different. It's quicker, more physical and his first four performances have been pretty average," as per Sports Mole.
"I felt the second half against Arsenal was the first time he contributed to Liverpool's attacking play. But he's got to score a goal. He's got to do something to get his confidence up.
"His confidence is obviously affected by the average start he’s had at Liverpool. But we’ve seen players who need a few weeks, a few months.
"He said in an interview he might need a few more games. He shouldn’t need too many more."
Hamann's double-edged comments back up the idea of Slot considering a change, with Wirtz yet to complete 90 minutes so far this season, and Isak will start once the Swede is up to speed.
Liverpool news and related links
- Chelsea legend defends Wirtz's decision to join Liverpool
- Liverpool agree bold plan to secure Mo Salah's return at Burnley
- Real Madrid boosted in pursuit of Liverpool star