Florian Writz given Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi target by Liverpool boss

Arne Slot recognises Florian Wirtz's talent but has challenged the Liverpool newcomer to demonstrate his resilience in order to reach the pinnacle of his career.

The Reds' manager casually mentioned Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mo Salah when discussing the potential of the £116m recruit.

However, it wasn't any specific skillset of these three football legends that Slot was emphasising - it was their consistent availability.

The more matches you are fit for, the more opportunities you have to make a significant impact, was the message ahead of life in English football.

As former Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Wirtz gears up to kick off his Premier League journey tomorrow evening against Bournemouth, Slot shared his thoughts on what he needs to do to realise his potential.

"Everything we expect is very positive but there's a difference between expectation and realisation," Slot stated.

"Why are Messi, Ronaldo and Mo so highly esteemed? Because they're always fit. Every single match they're fit and that's something Florian first needs to demonstrate in a league like ours. If he can stay fit then our fans will witness great moments."

If Wirtz achieves even a fraction of the esteem Salah enjoys on Merseyside, he will have realised his potential.

However, with a summer of change for Liverpool involving over £300m spent and more expected, along with nearly £200m incoming from outgoing transfers, Salah will notice changes in the team's playing style.

The absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has played in 70 per cent of his games donning the red shirt and has scored a staggering 245 goals, is notable.

Tomorrow, Jeremie Frimpong will be backing him up and when fit, Conor Bradley could step in.

Despite appearing somewhat isolated during Liverpool's penalty shootout loss to Crystal Palace last week, Salah's lack of impact doesn't worry Slot.

"No, the last time we were at Wembley he didn't play his best game as well," Slot pointed out, referring to 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 mentioned Palace's low block and directness from open play as challenges for Liverpool. This is why he has attempted to evolve the team this summer, along with players wanting to move on.

Wirtz, 22, is one player who can unlock any defence given his brilliance in the Bundesliga. Anfield will get their first competitive viewing of the Germany international in a Liverpool shirt on Friday and excitement is brewing on Merseyside about him more so than any other signing - and there's been plenty.

Despite the pressure of a hefty transfer fee, Slot is unfazed. "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.

"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."

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.