Didi Hamann admits he would be disappointed if Florian Wirtz fails to hit double figures in goals for Liverpool this campaign. The 22-year-old has been unable to find the net or provide an assist for Arne Slot's team since his £116million switch from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

The midfielder's early troubles at Anfield have prompted former Reds defender Jamie Carragher to suggest he needs time warming the bench. Yet no Premier League star has crafted more opportunities for teammates across all competitions this term than the German international.

Wirtz will now aim to deliver for Liverpool when they resume action on Sunday afternoon at home against bitter rivals Manchester United (4:30pm kick-off time).

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And former Reds midfielder Hamann has now shared his thoughts on what should be demanded of his fellow countryman this season following a challenging beginning to life on Merseyside.

"If they win the league and he contributes, I'd say he's done his job," Hamann said, via Grosvenor Casino. "He's a young player, but age doesn't really come into it because he cost a lot of money.

"But obviously it's got to start at some stage, because he's had a disappointing start to his career. It's a different game, it's more physical, it's quicker, and free kicks aren't given as easily as in Germany.

"He has to adapt. He's got to get used to the pace. When you go to England as a young player, you've got to mature quickly. This is something he has to learn."

While Hamann is rooting for Wirtz to succeed, he has cautioned the midfielder that Arne Slot's patience may run thin if improvements aren't seen promptly.

"When you come to England, you have to mature quickly, because if he has another two or three disappointing performances, I don't think Slot will worry about it, but there might be a time where he says, 'Maybe it's better I leave him out for half an hour or 60 minutes.' And if the team does well, then you might have a problem," he said.

"Then again, they've got so many games there'll be time for everybody. But you want him to come good sooner rather than later. I'm not a big fan of assists because if you pass the ball three yards and somebody knocks it in the top corner from 40 yards, you get an assist for it, so I'm not a big assists man.

"I know how good he is, and I've told everybody how good he is. I hope he does come good sooner rather than later. In all competitions, I'd be disappointed if he doesn't get into double figures for goals.

"Well, I hope so. I've seen him for a number of years. He's an exceptional talent, probably one of the best, if not the best, in that position in the world."

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