'Elite' Liverpool ace finally proves his worth to Arne Slot

When Florian Wirtz was signed by Liverpool for £116 million, questions were being asked about whether he had what it takes to make the step up to the Premier League.

And, at the start of his Liverpool tenure, it didn't feel like he did.

However, now that the German and Hugo Ekitike have started to figure out one another, everything is coming together.

Both players are earning praise from fans, pundits and even journalists with the duo quickly becoming one of the best in the top flight.

And now, while live on TNT Sports, Wirtz has been lauded for the performance he put on against the Magpies.

"Florian Wirtz is elite. He has shown that in the last few games," Lucy Ward said.

"We have seen it at international level, and Bayer Leverkusen. He has taken time to settle at Liverpool, but that is pure class."

Alexander Isak will have a lot of catching up to do upon his return from injury

Although Alexander Isak and Wirtz were at a similar level before the Sweden international got injured, the young German is now miles ahead of his teammate.

The duo were brought in during the summer transfer window to try and bolster Liverpool's attack and, while Wirtz is managing to do that now, Isak is likely to be back at square one upon his return.

And, the fact that Ekitike has only got better over the last few weeks doesn't do much for the former Newcastle star.

It's unclear whether Isak will be available for selection before the end of the season or not, but, if he is, it's going to take an awful lot of luck for him to take Ekitike's place, especially when the bond he's formed with the young German is taken into account.

And, while this wouldn't be much of a problem if it was another player, the fact that Isak is Liverpool's club-record signing means that, if his transfer doesn't end up working out, some serious questions will need to be asked.