Liverpool coach Arne Slot said he thinks the “creativity’ of new arrival Florian Wirtz can help offset the team’s loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid this summer.
The Dutch coach was speaking after his team had just showcased some £270 million (€310 million)-worth of new signings in a 3-2 friendly victory over Athletic Club, with the goals from established team members Mohamed Salah, who also missed a late penalty, and Cody Gakpo.
Liverpool fans were treated to a compelling glimpse of Arne Slot’s new-look squad during the pre-season finale at Anfield on Monday.
The Reds wrapped up their preparations with an exciting double-header against Athletic Bilbao, and the second game saw a 3-2 victory and revealed just how much this Liverpool team has evolved since lifting the Premier League trophy last season.
With five of this summer’s signings starting the match, it was clear that the club is embarking on a significant transformation. Among the new faces, none commanded more attention than Florian Wirtz, the £116 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen.
His acquisition was a major coup for Liverpool, especially considering the high-profile competition from clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. Yet, at just 22, Wirtz demonstrated on his Anfield debut that he fully deserves the hefty price tag.
Wirtz, who was given a warm reception by the Anfield crowd upon his substitution in the second half, looked comfortable on his debut effortlessly linking play, threading passes through tight spaces, and demonstrating a calmness that belies his age. He is clearly a player Slot is building his team around and the Kop responded with a generous ovation when he was withdrawn midway through the second half.
In his post-match comments, Arne Slot didn’t hold back in his praise for Wirtz. With Trent Alexander-Arnold now a Real Madrid player following his shock summer exit, Slot was keen to highlight the role Wirtz can play in filling the creative void left by the full-back’s departure.
“We’ve added a few extra weapons, We lost a lot of creativity from the back with Trent his crosses, his ability to pick out runners, it was so special.
But Florian has a lot of creativity in the final third. He brings that same kind of quality just from a very different position.” Slot said”
It’s a bold comparison, but not an unreasonable one. While their roles on the pitch are different, Wirtz brings a similar blend of tactical intelligence and technical flair the kind of player capable of dictating tempo, unlocking defences, and creating something from nothing.
Slot’s words underline just how central the German international is to the new-look Liverpool system. He’s not just an exciting addition he’s a key building block in the team’s evolution.
Hugo Ekitike, making only his second appearance since joining the Reds, looked sharp and was involved in the opening goal, cutting inside and setting up Mohamed Salah, who made no mistake from close range. His raw pace and direct style already look like they’ll offer something different in Liverpool’s front line.
The Dutch head coach was also keen to shine a light on the broader transformation taking place across his squad encouraging for fans, with the season less than two weeks away.
“We have lost two quality players with Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, but we have added Hugo — definitely a player that is going to be very good for us. Rio Ngumoha has been showing good things every time in pre-season”
The youthful Ngumoha, just 16, has continued to impress throughout pre-season with a goal last night, and his inclusion in the manager’s comments is a testament to how much faith Slot has in his emerging talents
He was candid in noting that the competition across the Premier League is fierce, with other clubs also investing heavily.
“You need to make the next step in everything you do because our competitors are not sitting still. They are improving and signing players just like we are, so it’s going to be a really interesting season.”
Monday night was more than just a friendly — it was a declaration of intent. Liverpool have reshaped their squad with exciting new talents and a fresh tactical outlook.
New weapons, fresh faces, and a manager determined to build a side capable of meeting every challenge. Liverpool fans will be eager to see how this team evolves, but the foundation looks promising.
