Liverpool boss Arne Slot says Florian Wirtz will play a vital creative role this season following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.
Trent’s move to Spain earlier this summer ended a long chapter at Anfield, where he had developed into one of the most creative defenders in the Premier League. His pinpoint crosses and passing range from deep were a constant threat, and he played a vital role in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign under Arne Slot last season.
But with the academy graduate now at Madrid, Slot has turned to a different solution, and believes Wirtz is the man to fill that creative gap, albeit in a more advanced role.
“Florian has a lot of creativity in the final third. We’ve lost with Trent a lot of creativity from the back,” Slot told Liverpoolfc.com after Monday’s double-header wins over Athletic Club. “Trent’s crosses and picking out runners was so special – I think Flo has this quality as well in a totally different position.”
Wirtz, signed earlier this summer from Bayer Leverkusen, has already shown flashes of his vision and composure in pre-season. The 22-year-old German playmaker is expected to operate as a No. 10 in Slot’s system, linking midfield and attack.
Arne Slot added: “We’ve added a few, in my opinion, extra weapons. The pace of Hugo [Ekitike], the pace of both full-backs – Milos [Kerkez] and Jeremie [Frimpong] today – that’s part of what we’re building.”
Liverpool ended their pre-season with a 4-1 and 3-2 double victory over Athletic Club at Anfield. Rio Ngumoha, Darwin Nunez, Ben Doak, Harvey Elliott, Mohamed Salah, and Cody Gakpo were all on the scoresheet across both games.
“We created a lot of chances, scored seven goals – so that’s very pleasing to see,” Slot said. “But to concede two set-piece goals, especially ahead of Crystal Palace [on Sunday], that’s something we need to fix.”
Still, the Dutchman is confident that his new-look team will be ready.
“The players are fit, worked really hard, played some good football, defended really strong and good – apart from the two set-pieces,” he said. “It’s going to be a very interesting Premier League again.”
