Liverpool are preparing for their first competitive game under Andoni Iraola as they travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United in an intriguing Premier League clash.
The Reds blew hot and cold in pre-season but signed off with a commanding 2-0 win against Serie A side Como last weekend courtesy of goals from Cody Gakpo and Jeremy Jacquet.
Iraola’s free-flowing brand of football could suit a lot of players in the squad and we’ve already seen evidence of that in pre-season.
And Paul Merson believes Florian Wirtz could be one of the biggest beneficiaries from the Spaniard’s arrival.
Paul Merson tips Florian Wirtz to star for Liverpool
The German international took a while to get going at Anfield since his big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen.
However, he burst into life around December and endured a strong second half of the campaign after getting to grips with the rigours of English football.
And Merson believes the gifted German will fare much better this season under Iraola.
“Liverpool’s midfield wasn’t great last year, but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent,” wrote Merson on Sky Sports.
“I thought it would take time for him to get settled in this league, but he’s had a season now. If he doesn’t get going this season, you start worrying.”
Wirtz was fantastic in pre-season and developed a good relationship with Alexander Isak, playing just behind the Swedish striker.
Time will tell, but there is enough evidence to suggest that he is going to take the Premier League by storm this season.
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