It's just the life of a nine-figure player - for better or WIRTZ

FLORIAN HAS STILL SHOWN FLASHES HE CAN LIVE UP TO THE TOP BILLING

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Despondent Florian Wirtz (right) during last weekend's loss to Manchester City; below, in training with Germany this week

To coincide with the start of Liverpool's 10-year agreement with adidas earlier this year, a giant billboard appeared in the city centre of new signing Florian Wirtz, decked out from head to toe in the German manufacturers' apparel.

Above the head of the tracksuited Wirtz, the word 'superstar' was written and the enormous advertisement, which was wrapped around the Radio City Tower in Houghton Street, was more than a subtle nod to what was expected to be a riotous new association for club, brand and player.

The formal start of Liverpool's partnership with adidas began on August 1, confirming the new signing from Bayer Leverkusen would be taking the No.7 shirt.

To those who place significance on such decisions, it spoke to both the value of Wirtz within Arne Slot's rapidly evolving squad and the bravery of the young German himself, to take on a squad number so steeped in rich history at Anfield.

Those who follow in the footsteps of Kevin Keegan, Luis Suarez and, most pertinently, Sir Kenny Dalglish must prove themselves worthy, after all.

So far, though, things have not quite gone according to plan and national boss Julian Nagelsmann this week became the latest in a lengthening list of influential voices from Germany football to be asked about the attacking midfielder's adaptation process on Merseyside.