Steven Gerrard sends 'selfish' Wirtz message as Liverpool icon outlines expectation

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Florian Wirtz has been told how he can improve his Liverpool form by Steven Gerrard as the Reds legend discussed his former club during coverage of the Brighton game

Florian Wirtz has had a disappointing debut campaign so far for Liverpool(Image: Lewis Storey, Getty Images)

Florian Wirtz has been urged to become more "selfish" by Steven Gerrard in a bid to become more ruthless for Liverpool.

The Reds forked out $136 million (£100 million) with a further $22 million (£16 million) for the 22-year-old's last summer in what was a blockbuster move for the reigning Premier League champions.

While the Germany international has shown flashes of his obscene talent, it's come too far and few between for a player of his ability and value. With 15 goals and assists to his name in 39 appearances across all competitions, he's managed just four goals and two assists in the league.

A common criticism of the attacking midfielder has been his lack of potency in front of goal and it's something Gerrard has picked upon and compelled him to improve on ahead of Saturday's clash against Brighton.

Speaking to TNT Sports, the former Liverpool captain said of Wirtz: "I want him to be more selfish. Sometimes, it’s as if he wants the assist more than the goal. I want him to think of himself more in certain moments instead of that extra pass, because he’s got a lovely strike, and he can finish himself.

"He’ll get more goals in his game as well. I think next season is his season. He was always going to take a period of time to adapt, it’s a big move and the pace of the game here in England is a lot different from Germany.

"He said he got a lot more touches and time on the ball. Now that adaptation’s done, I expect him to have a really strong pre-season on the back of a World Cup, and next year take this league by storm."

Steven Gerrard has urged Florian Wirtz to be more selfish(Image: Getty)

Predicting Wirtz to announce himself as one of the best players in the league next season, Gerrard insisting remaining on top of his physicality is a must if he wants to be a success in England.

Gerrard added: "He needs to stay physically strong because it’s a more robust league, there’s more duels, there’s more physicality, but in terms of the talent, that’s never not been there. He did have the moments, even when he wasn’t playing well.

"The thing is now, the team are executing his chances, the forwards are finishing the chances, he’s getting more assists and more goals."