Wirtz’s Creativity Can Make Up for Alexander‑Arnold Loss, Says Liverpool Boss Arne Slot

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has declared that the club’s new record signing, Florian Wirtz, can fill the creative void left by Trent Alexander‑Arnold’s move to Real Madrid this summer.

A Strategic Shift in Playmaking

Alexander‑Arnold’s departure stripped Liverpool of a unique creative outlet from right-back—his exceptional crossing and vision had been central to their recent success. Slot believes Wirtz can replicate that ingenuity—but from a more advanced position in the attacking midfield.

“We’ve lost… a lot of creativity from the back. Trent’s crosses and picking out runners was so special – I think Flo has this quality in a totally different position. He brings that creativity.”

Impressive Preseason Debut

Wirtz made his Liverpool debut in a 3–2 friendly win over Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Despite friendly context, he showed flashes of brilliance—linking play with deft touches, nearly opening the scoring with a shot that struck the crossbar before being capitalized on by Hugo Ekitike, and alongside Cody Gakpo’s brace.

More New Weapons in Liverpool’s Arsenal

Slot praised the broader transfer activity:

  1. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have added pace and width to the full-back positions.
  2. Hugo Ekitike provides versatility and forward momentum. 

He emphasized the importance of bolstering the squad:

“There is always room for improvement… we have added a few extra weapons.”

Champions Looking Ahead

Liverpool wrapped up the 2024–25 season as Premier League champions, and Slot stressed the need to evolve, noting:

“Our competitors are not sitting still… that’s why it’s going to be a very interesting Premier League in the upcoming year again.”  

What’s Next?

Liverpool face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on 10 August and begin their Premier League title defence against Bournemouth at Anfield on 15 August—opportunities to test Wirtz’s influence in competitive action.


Summary

Focus Details
Player SigningsClub-record signing Florian Wirtz plus Frimpong, Kerkez, Ekitike
Replacing TAAWirtz expected to bring creativity from the middle rather than the back
Recent FormDebut vs Athletic Bilbao: clever touches, assist threat, near goal
Team StrategySlot: added “extra weapons” amid fierce competition
Competitive OutlookCommunity Shield vs Palace, Premier League opener vs Bournemouth

Liverpool’s switch from relying on creative full-back play to a dynamic midfield maestro like Florian Wirtz reflects both necessity and ambition. If he continues to impress, Wirtz could transform tactical expectations at Anfield and ensure that Liam Alexander-Arnold’s departure isn’t missed on the pitch.




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