Florian Wirtz agrees with Andoni Iraola on 'best position' and Alexander Isak connection

Florian Wirtz is ready to take the next steps at Liverpool, with the early signs of his relationship with Alexander Isak looking promising under new head coach Andoni Iraola

With seven goals and 10 assists in all competitions for Liverpool last season, Florian Wirtz heads into his second campaign at Anfield with a solid base from which to push on.

The German, signed for a fee that could reach as much as $157 million (£116 million) including add-ons, has shown glimpses of his talent. The early signs of his link-up with Alexander Isak this summer have been promising. Now, he needs to take the next steps under new boss Andoni Iraola.

"I have not spoken (with him) about the style so much, but I think he has his ideas of playing football and we just have to work on that even more now," Wirtz told reporters after the weekend's clash with AS Monaco, in which he scored.

"Only the first 30 minutes were good for us and we still have a lot to improve in training and the next match.

"But I think especially in the last three years at Bournemouth, you could see what (Iraola) can do with a team. Of course, we are looking forward to working with him.

"For the first few weeks — for me, it is only two weeks that I have been in training — I can just say that I am enjoying it. I like the idea of football he has, so I am really looking forward to it.

"I definitely learned a lot (last year). I learned how Premier League football is played and I think I am more ready for my second season because I know how it is now. I am really excited."

Already, Iraola has made clear that he views Wirtz as a central player who will be deployed in behind Isak. "No.10 is my favorite and my best position," he says.

"I think against Monaco and in the last game against Leeds, we (Isak and Wirtz) had some good combinations. Also, we created some chances together.

"He is a very, very good player and I enjoy playing with him. We have to work on the connection but we are still in pre-season and I think until now it is good.

"I've played one year now in England and I've said often enough that it's a different style of football than in Germany. You just get used to the games and your opponents. I just know how it is now, so I'm happy to have my next season.

"We want to win more games, to compete for all the titles we can play for. I think we have to get more intensity into our game and at times have more control with the ball."

Liverpool still needs more options, particularly in attack, now that Ronald Araujo has arrived — "It's not my business; I trust them," Wirtz says — but the Reds have shown some signs of heading in the right direction.

That both Isak and Wirtz netted in a strong opening half an hour for Liverpool last time out can only be a positive thing.

Asked specifically about his targets for the season, Wirtz wasn't keen to commit. "I'm just trying to make my job better, and to make the team better," he insisted.

"I don't think too much about how important I am; I just want to make the club successful. I just want to be the best version of myself. I try my best to win as many trophies as we can win, and I'll try to play my part this season.

"Last season was difficult for the whole club, but hopefully we have the right energy and mentality this season, so every player can shine more."

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