Arsenal cult hero makes Florian Wirtz promise after slow start at Liverpool

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The ex-Arsenal skipper joined Premier League team Sunderland around the time the German talent secured his move to Anfield, and when Sky Sports asked him to compare his former teammate with Chelsea's Palmer and Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, the Switzerland international opted for the Reds' No. "Yeah, [it's] between Palmer and Flo Wirtz, let's say with Flo Wirtz, I had the joy to be with him for three years," Xhaka said.

"You will [see his quality], a lot of English people will enjoy him because he's unbelievable, not just with the ball, but the work without the ball. "I saw him for two [years], and I have a lot of respect for Palmer as well, but because I was with Wirtz for two years and I know how much he can bring to the Premier League.

Hopefully not against us, Sunderland, but the rest of the year I wish him just the best because he deserves that." Granit Xhaka and Wirtz were teammates at Bayer Leverkusen (Image: Getty Images) Despite not yet scoring or providing an assist in either the Premier League or Champions League for Liverpool, Wirtz has featured in all three matches prior to the international break, which concluded with losses at Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea. "If he stays fit, takes the right steps and the coach manages his workload well, gives him breaks if necessary, sometimes leaves him out, then I tell you: In 18 months, Florian Wirtz will be the best player at Liverpool and the whole world will want him.