Arne Slot has defended Florian Wirtz's early struggles at Liverpool(Image: PA)

Arne Slot has commented on Florian Wirtz's transition to Liverpool, acknowledging the increased intensity of the Premier League compared to the Bundesliga.

The Reds' manager suggests that Wirtz could take a leaf out of Ryan Gravenberch's book as he strives to make his mark in England following his then-British record transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. Wirtz, who joined Liverpool in a £116m deal, has failed to assert his influence, with Slot's team losing four of their last five Premier League matches.

The 22-year-old is yet to score or assist in the league and was brought on as a substitute in the win over Aston Villa on Saturday, but he may be back in the starting line-up when the Reds face Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

However, Slot is satisfied with what the attacking midfielder has shown so far and is confident that he will eventually find his feet at Liverpool.

"You can say he [has only] started one of the last four but you can also say he's started eight, nine, 10...