Liverpool boss says Florian Wirtz is 'already elite' but predicts even higher ceiling | OneFootball

Arne Slot has said Florian Wirtz is already 'elite' but has backed the German to get better and better in a Liverpool shirt.

Wirtz signed for Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a then-record £116m record deal last summer. The midfielder has faced scrutiny this season, during a mixed debut season that has delivered five goals and three assists in thePremier League.

The 22-year-old produced a moment of quality during last weekend's win over Crystal Palace, scoring a late third with a brilliant strike at Anfield.

Slot said he has been pleased with the development of the summer signing this season, and believes Wirtz's fine finish against Palace was a sign of increased confidence.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's trip to Manchester United, Slot backed Wirtz to continue improving.

He said the Germany international is already an 'elite player' but one still capable of much more, as he continues adapting to thePremier League.

"I think he will change that and that is a coincidence. We have to play three more in those positions," he said at hispre-match press conference.

"It is so clear his development over the past 10 months in his Liverpool career. In the 91st minute making a duel on the sideline against Crystal Palace, winning a throw-in, sprinting from 40 yards, and hitting the ball into the top corner. I am not completely convinced he'd do the same eight months ago.

"He was already an elite player but you can see improvement, which will only continue as he is 22. Almost every player is at their best when they are 25 or 26. He is already an elite player now and will only get better.

"That is the beauty of our signings last summer. All are at an age to only get better, if they don't get injured."