Arne Slot reveals how Florian Wirtz will replace Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool

Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes the arrival of Florian Wirtz at the club can help the Reds sort out the creativity Trent Alexander-Arnold possessed before his departure to Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool to join Real Madrid in June and the Reds have brought in new players to strengthen their squad. The Premier League champion smashed their transfer record in June to sign Wirtz and bolster their attacking options, with the German international having scored 57 goals and provided 65 assists in 197 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen.

Wirtz played in a Liverpool shirt for the first time at Anfield on Monday, putting in an impressive performance in the Merseyside club’s 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao in a pre-season match.

Florian Wirtz runs with the ball during the second pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Athletic Club Bilbao at Anfield on August 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“I think there’s always room for improvement in every department. Like I said, we’ve added a few, in my opinion, extra weapons. So, Florian (Wirtz) has a lot of creativity in the final third,” Slot told reporters.

“We’ve lost with Trent (Alexander-Arnold) a lot of creativity from the back. Trent’s crosses and picking out runners was so special – I think Flo has this quality as well in a totally different position.

“But he brings that creativity, the pace of Hugo (Ekitike), the pace of both full-backs – Milos (Kerkez) and Jeremie (Frimpong) today.”

Slot added that it was crucial to strengthen the squad as Liverpool hope to retain the Premier League title they won last season.

“Our competitors are not sitting still,” he added.

“Not only did they try to improve as well but they have also made a lot of signings, like we all have done. So that’s why it’s going to be a very interesting Premier League in the upcoming year again.”

Liverpool take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on 10 August, before beginning their Premier League title defence against Bournemouth at Anfield on 15 August.