Philipp Lahm says Liverpool have youngster already on same level as Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal

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Florian Wirtz has struggled to ignite his Liverpool career so far this season since joining from Bayer Leverkusen, but a Germany legend has backed him to flourish in the Premier League.

Philipp Lahm has explained why Wirtz can be a success at Liverpool despite going four games so far without scoring since his £116m transfer.

Wirtz, 22, scored 57 goals with 65 assists for Leverkusen in 197 appearances, earning him a then-record transfer to Anfield.

He notched an assist on debut in the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace but is yet to make an impact in the Premier League. Lahm, however, believes Liverpool have a generational talent on their hands.

Philipp Lahm compares Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz to Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham

Comparing Wirtz to fellow Germany international Nick Woltemade at Newcastle, Lahm told the Guardian that Woltemade’s impressive form in the under-21 Euros this summer doesn’t necessarily count for much.

Lahm said: “The best footballers, such as Lamine Yamal, [Jude] Bellingham, Jamal Musiala and Wirtz, do not take part in such tournaments having long since outgrown the level.

“Every time he takes to the pitch, you can see how Wirtz interprets his No 10 role. He solves difficult situations, sets up new ones and, as an individualist who puts himself at the service of everyone else, is the ideal team player. His actions and performances are reliable for coaches and teammates.”

And Lahm also backed Wirtz to come good at Liverpool despite his slower start to adapting to the Premier League.

Philipp Lahm explains why Florian Wirtz has taken time to adapt to Liverpool transfer

Continuing, Lahm explained why he was confident that Wirtz would be a success at Liverpool, saying: “He chose his new club for sporting reasons.

“It takes time to fit into a team. This is especially true for a player who makes a difference. So far, he is getting into his groove and adapting to the pace and intensity of the Premier League.

“He passes the ball early, which gives him increasing confidence and allows him to gradually take more risks.”

Lahm went on to say that Wirtz’s performance against Arsenal before the international break was enough to show that he is asserting his influence at Liverpool.

Lahm said: “What caught the eye was Wirtz as a team player, and in the second half, his brilliance. He played razor‑sharp passes, took the ball superbly with his right foot in the penalty area and shot with his left. Wirtz’s qualities are becoming increasingly apparent at Liverpool.”