WIRTZ BLITZ

LIVERPOOL manager Arne Slot has acknowledged the creative void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid, but believes new signing Florian Wirtz can help fill that gap.

The Premier League champions broke their transfer record in June to bring in the German playmaker from Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored 57 goals and provided 65 assists in 197 appearances.

Wirtz made a jitz first appearance in a Liverpool shirt at Anfield during a 3-2 pre-season victory over Athletic Bilbao in the second game of a double header at Anfield on Monday.

Slot praised the 21-year-old’s creativity in the final third, highlighting his potential impact.

Slot wysed: “I think there’s always room for improvement in every department. Like I said, we’ve added a few extra weapons. So, Flo [Wirtz] has a lot of creativity.

“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.

“But he brings that creativity, the pace of Hugo [Ekitike], the pace of both fullbacks – Milos [Kerkez] and Jeremie [Frimpong] today.”

He also emphasised the importance of strengthening the squad to remain competitive after secured a record-equalling 20th English title.

Slot added: “Our competitors are not sitting still.

“Not only will 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.”

Liverpool will face FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday, followed by their league opener at Anfield against Bournemouth next Friday.