Wirtz on weight-gain programme to adapt

ARNE Slot has revealed how Florian Wirtz has undertaken a weight-gain programme in an effort to adapt to the Premier League's physicality.

- By PAUL GORST

And Liverpool boss Slot says he has been pleased with what he has seen from the Germany international in recent weeks.

Wirtz has yet to officially open his account in the Premier League but played a big part in the own goal from Nordi Mukiele in the recent 1-1 draw with Sunderland, with his shot taking a deflection off the Black Cats man before finding the net at Anfield.

The 22-year-old Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m in June, also starred in the 2-0 win at West Ham United in late November and was impressive in the victory by the same scoreline over Brighton & Hove Albion last week.