Jamie Carragher tips new Liverpool signing to become the Premier League's next Kevin De Bruyne

Wirtz signed for a club-record transfer fee from Bayer Leverkusen to add even more attacking quality to Liverpool's ranks. He arrives with a glittering reputation, having scored 21 goals and supplied 23 assists in the previous two Bundesliga seasons, and enjoyed a promising Premier League debut in the Reds' 4-2 victory over Bournemouth.

De Bruyne brought an end to a superb spell at Manchester City earlier this summer as he left at the expiry of his contract, soon signing a deal with Serie A champions Napoli. The Belgium international was capable of carving teams open with sublime passes and scoring incredible goals from distance and Carragher believes Wirtz has enough similar characteristics to enjoy success in England and become the new poster boy of the Premier League.

Giving his season predictions on Sky Sports, Carragher said: “I think Liverpool getting that deal done was fantastic. He came off on Friday night and probably wasn’t at his absolute best, but even so, he still showed some silky, lovely touches – there’s just something special when you watch him play. 

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how he performs next weekend. I’m already imagining the Liverpool team next Monday. He might actually play as a false nine, or Liverpool might go with a striker alongside him. 

“With Kevin De Bruyne leaving, we needed a superstar in that kind of position in the league, and I think he could be that player to watch.”

Wirtz has been joined at Anfield by fellow new arrivals Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giovanni Leoni and there could be more activity if Liverpool are able to agree a deal with Newcastle for Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker took aim at the Magpies after being included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year on Tuesday night and is hoping the Reds sign him during the final few weeks of the summer transfer window.

Wirtz, who supplied his first goal contribution for Liverpool with an assist during the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace, will be hoping to impress once more on Monday night when Liverpool take on Newcastle in what is sure to be a hostile and fierce atmosphere at St James' Park amid all the Isak drama.