THE VERY BEST TO WIRTZ

Slot mentions Ronaldo, Messi and Salah when talking about Reds’ new £116m man, and stresses fitness first when it comes to achieving greatness

- BY CHRIS MCKENNA X@cmckennasport

ARNE SLOT has challenged new signing Florian Wirtz to show his grit if he wants to reach the very top.

The Reds boss casually dropped the names of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Mo Salah when talking about the potential of Liverpool's new £116million signing.

But it wasn't the skills of those three greats that Slot was highlighting - it was their availability.

The more games for which you are fit the more games in which you can make a big impression was Slot's message to his German arrival. As former Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Wirtz prepares to begin his Premier League career tonight against Bournemouth, Slot outlined what he needs to do to fulfil his potential.

“Everything we expect is very positive but between expecting and realising something is different,” said Slot (left). “Why are Messi, Ronaldo and Mo so highly regarded? Because they are always fit. Every single game they are fit and that is something that Florian has to show in a league like ours. If he is able to stay fit then our fans will see great moments.”