Manager says the German playmaker “has a lot of creativity in the final third”
Arne Slot believes Florian Wirtz can fill the creative void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool prepare to defend their Premier League title.
The £116m signing has looked sharp and inventive so far in pre-season, playing in a role just behind the front line and setting the tone for Liverpool’s attack.
Slot admitted Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid removed his unique playmaking from deep, but said Wirtz offers a different solution in the final third.
“Florian has a lot of creativity in the final third,” said Slot. “We’ve lost with Trent 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.”
Liverpool have spent more than £250m this summer on improvements to their title-winning squad, with Wirtz joined by Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez.
Slot said the reinforcements were necessary given the level of competition at the top of the table.
“Our competitors are not sitting still,” said Slot. “Not only 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.”
