Slot expects improving Isak and Wirtz to drive Liverpool forward after underwhelming first seasons

Arne Slot expects the improving form of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz to drive Liverpool forward in the future. The club's two most expensive signings – costing a combined £241m – have had underwhelming first seasons due to Isak's injuries and Wirtz's struggles adapt to the Premier League. But they both scored in last weekend's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace and may start their fourth successive match together at Manchester United on Sunday, their longest run of the campaign.

Slot accepts the new arrivals have had difficulties, but in the last month has seen glimpses that both are starting to find their feet. "Converting chances into goals is something we haven't done very well throughout this whole season but one of the players (Isak) we always thought could score goals for us was hardly available," said Slot. "Last week you could see it was a chance but it wasn't the biggest chance we've had this season and he finished that one off really well by scoring the 1-0 and scoring a goal which is vital in football as it sets you in the right direction.

"Happy to have Alex back. I think there are some other players that haven't scored the amount of goals that I think they are able to, or they have shown in the past they are able to, and that will go back to normal in a certain moment and the sooner the better."

Wirtz would come into that category with seven goals and 10 assists – none of which have come against Premier League opposition currently occupying European places – representing a lower-than-expected return for a £116m player hailed as a generational talent when he arrived from Bayer Leverkusen.

"For me the development Florian has made throughout his Liverpool career, which has only been 10 months, is so clear and obvious," added Slot. "In the 93rd minute against Crystal Palace making a duel on the sideline, winning a throw-in and then making a sprint from 40 yards and hitting the ball in the top corner – that is something I am not completely convinced he could do the same eight months ago.

"That improvement will only continue as he is only 22. Almost every player in the world is at his best when he is 25, 26 but he is already an elite player now and he can only become better."

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah will not be fit enough to face Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Egyptian forward, who has scored 16 goals for Liverpool against their biggest rivals, continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

"Mo is always working incredibly hard during the season when he is fit and when he is injured to get back as soon as possible. Usually he is back earlier fit than other players. He has a minor injury and we expect and need him back for the final part of the season, but not for Sunday. It is a big relief that his injury is minor and he is able to play for us and at the World Cup. If a player deserves a big send off then it is Mo."

Slot also said Alisson is close to a return.

In other news, Manchester City go to Everton on Monday night, with Pep Guardiola due to hold a press conference.

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