I'm more ready for Premier League now

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Florian Wirtz believes that he is "more ready" and "really excited" for his second season in the Premier League after settling in during his first campaign at Liverpool.

Wirtz made the move from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £116m last summer and scored seven goals and provided 10 assists in what was an underwhelming campaign overall for Liverpool under Arne Slot.

"I definitely learned a lot. I just 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 for my next season," said Wirtz.

"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."

Asked to assess his first season, Wirtz said: "It's a difficult question but of course there were some games when I wasn't happy with myself, but also a lot of games when I felt good on the pitch. 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."

The 23-year-old also revealed that he has had conversations about his role under Andoni Iraola and that Iraola is keen for him to play behind the striker. During the pre-season tour of the USA, the Liverpool boss said Wirtz was "quite complete" as a player.

"We spoke about this (No. 10 role) because I think it is important to know which position you are going to play and I know that I can probably play different positions but number 10 is my favourite and my best position, so let's see how this works out," said Wirtz.

On Iraola, Wirtz added: "I think especially in the last three years at Bournemouth you could see what he can do with a team. Of course we are looking forward to working with him and for the few weeks, for me, it is only two weeks that I have been in training, so 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.

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

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