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Liverpool's Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have been told they need to bulk up to succeed in the Premier League(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool new boys Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz have been urged to follow the lead of another potential Anfield recruit in Alexander Isak by improving their physique.

The reigning Premier League champions splashed out the best part of £195million on the pair earlier this summer.

The Reds signed Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in June for an initial £100m plus £16m in potential add-ons.



However, Foster believes their size could be a problem after comparing them to Isak, who he credited with working hard to boost his physical profile since arriving in the Premier League back in August 2022.

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Speaking on the Fozcast podcast, Foster said: "Sometimes I look at the physical build of players and I think Ekitike and Wirtz both look a little bit lightweight at the minute.

I used to think this about Isak as well.

Alexander Isak has been credited with improving his physicality since arriving in the Premier League in 2022(Image: Harriet Massey/Getty Images)

"When he first signed for Newcastle, I used to look at him and think, 'I don't know if you're going to be able to deal with the physicality of the Premier League.' Over the last couple of years, he's really worked hard on that side of it, and he seems to have put a bit more muscle on.

"He looks like he now knows how to use his body and keep players away.

But just thinking about Wirtz and Ekitike, I need to see them put a little bit more muscle on before they can really hit the ground."

According to Foster, Isak would therefore provide a good example for Ekitike and Wirtz to follow.

The Swedish striker's potential switch to Liverpool has been one of the Premier League's longest-running sagas this summer.

Despite his strong stature, Isak has been criticised for his mentality after appearing to burn his bridges on Tyneside to try and force a move.

Florian Wirtz has made it clear he's come to Liverpool to win the top prizes(Image: Nigel French/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Wirtz and Ekitike were spotted quickly removing their runner-up medals after Sunday's loss to Palace.

"First of all, we have to do our work," said Wirtz, whose shirt number will be announced later in the summer.

"Last season they [Liverpool] won the Premier League so my goal is for sure to win it again and also to go further in the Champions League.
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