Emile Heskey believes blockbuster summer transfer can get best out of Florian Wirtz
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has urged patience with Florian Wirtz while identifying Newcastle's Elliot Anderson as the perfect summer transfer target to unlock the German's potential at AnfieldFlorian Wirtz had a slow season, by his standards, in the Premier League(Image: Alex Dodd/Shutterstock)Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey, who lined up alongside Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman, has urged Reds supporters to remain patient with last summer's marquee signing Florian Wirtz, who experienced a challenging debut campaign at Anfield following the club's record-breaking deal worth up to £116M ($155.92M).That record was subsequently surpassed later in the same transfer window with the arrival of Alexander Isak, whose battles with injury, fitness and form have proven even more pronounced than those of his German colleague.Wirtz's respectable tally of goal contributions (seven goals and 10 assists from 49 appearances) doesn't fully capture the story of a tough adjustment period in which he was overshadowed by the player many anticipated he would replace in Liverpool's starting XI, Dominik Szoboszlai.However, Emile Heskey, who featured alongside numerous exceptional attacking midfielders for Liverpool and England, remains confident that Wirtz will eventually prove himself a record-breaker on the pitch as well as in the transfer ledger.Speaking to betting site Hajper, Heskey went as far as to predict the German international could surpass Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes' recent playmaking benchmark, reports the Liverpool Echo."Could Florian Wirtz go on to break the record for assists in a single season? "That's why they spent all that money on him."I'd like to think he'll come good.
He picks up those little pockets of space like Coutinho used to."He just doesn't seem to have that real power or energy at the minute to drive them on, but he picks up some sensational positions, gets the ball and turns."It's the next little bit, and more understanding with the players around him, that he needs. Let's give him next season and see how he goes."Hopefully, we'll see the best of him with a new team around him as well."Despite the downturn supporters have observed following a summer of significant upheaval at Liverpool last year, another hectic window is anticipated, with numerous players being linked with departures from Merseyside, alongside the confirmed exits of Salah and Andy Robertson.Reinforcing the midfield remains a top priority for many supporters, who have witnessed Alexis Mac Allister's form deteriorate this season after his pivotal contribution to last year's title-winning campaign.Florian Wirtz is still adapting to the Premier League at Liverpool(Image: (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))In Heskey's view, one midfielder linked with rivals United should be firmly at the top of Liverpool's wishlist this summer."I've said it before," Heskey said, "But Liverpool should be going after Elliot Anderson.
He's great on the ball too."Liverpool need someone who can get around midfield. He doesn't get around like he used to."The only player who really stands out in that midfield now is obviously Dominik Szoboszlai and he gets around the pitch."The others just don't seem like they can do it anymore so I think Liverpool need some heavy surgery in midfield.