Ben Foster has reportedly urged two recent Liverpool additions, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz to build their physical strength in order to emulate Alexander Isak, another possible arrival to Anfield.
Earlier this summer, the current Premier League champions paid almost £200 million for the pair. In June, Wirtz was acquired by the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen in a British record transfer for an initial £100 million with an additional £16 million in potential add-ons.
Even as the Magpies turned down a £110 million offer from their rivals, Isak, is keen to join the Reds. According to reports, The 25-year-old has subsequently told Newcastle that he will not play for them again.
Former Manchester United and Wrexham goalkeeper Foster has now recommended that Ekitike and Wirtz should follow Isak’s lead by bulking up, instead of creating any transfer drama on Merseyside.
See Also: Rooney Claims One Liverpool Signing Most Important Signing Of The Season
According to LiverpoolFC, after watching the two start in Liverpool’s Community Shield penalty shootout loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday, the former England international voiced worries over their slight build.
Wirtz assisted Ekitike’s goal for Liverpool in the fourth minute, but Palace held their own and the game ended 2-2. The Eagles then won 3-2 at Wembley thanks to penalty shoot-out.
What Did Foster Say About Wirtz And Ekitike’s Physicality?
Speaking on the Fozcast podcast, Foster said: “Sometimes I look at the physical build of players and I think Ekitike and Wirtz both look a little bit lightweight at the minute. I used to think this about Isak as well.
“When he first signed for Newcastle, I used to look at him and think, ‘I don’t know if you’re going to be able to deal with the physicality of the Premier League.’ Over the last couple of years, he’s really worked hard on that side of it, and he seems to have put a bit more muscle on.
COMMENTS