Micah Richards has detailed why he believes Florian Wirtz has struggled at Liverpool.(Image: PA)

Micah Richards has claimed that Florian Wirtz's size, strength and arriving from the Bundesliga are to blame for his Liverpool struggles. The Germany international notched his first assist since the Community Shield during their 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.

However, the 22-year-old has come under the microscope for his start to life in the Premier League as his difficulties have coincided with a mediocre start for the Reds. Arne Slot's side have since endured a turgid downturn of form, losing their last four league games and finding themselves seven points off the pace.

Wirtz has shown flashes of what he can bring to the English top-flight but Liverpool have struggled to integrate their new signings seamlessly as Alexander Isak and Milos Kerkez have yet to hit the ground running. Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Brentford compounded the miserable run for the Premier League champions.