'Standing out at the moment' - Florian Wirtz makes surprise pick for which Liverpool team-mate has impressed him most since £117m move from Bayer Leverkusen

Since swapping the BayArena for Merseyside, Wirtz has found it harder to impose himself. Beyond an assist on his Community Shield debut against Crystal Palace, the attacking midfielder has yet to register another goal contribution in Liverpool colours. Additionally, the massive price tag, a star-studded squad, and fierce competition for places in midfield have only complicated matters. 

Wirtz shares a dressing room with the Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah, the Dutch colossus Virgil van Dijk and record £125 million arrival Alexander Isak. Yet, when pressed on who had caught his eye the most, Wirtz delivered a name few expected: Ryan Gravenberch.

In an interview with Sky Sports Germany, he said: "The one who's playing very, very well at the moment is Gravenberch. He's standing out at the moment."

Gravenberch was the difference-maker in the Merseyside derby last week. Not only did he score the opener in the 2-1 win against Everton, but he also threaded the perfect pass for Hugo Ekitike’s decisive strike. To underline his all-action display, Gravenberch topped the match stats with five successful tackles; more than anyone else on the pitch.

Wirtz himself had to endure the frustration of being dropped to the bench for that same derby clash. Liverpool edged out Everton, but watching from the sidelines only sharpened the German’s determination to reclaim his place. With a crucial Premier League trip to Crystal Palace looming this Saturday, the 22-year-old will be desperate to show Slot why he deserves to be restored to the XI.