Florian Wirtz’s creativity can make up for Trent Alexander-Arnold loss, says Liverpool boss Arne Slot

LIVERPOOL – Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid has left Liverpool wanting for creativity but the signing of attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz can help offset that deficiency, the English Premier League side’s manager Arne Slot said.

Liverpool smashed their transfer record in June to sign Wirtz for an initial £100 million (S$171 million) to bolster their attacking options, with the German international having scored 57 goals and provided 65 assists in 197 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen.

Wirtz made his Anfield debut for his new club on Aug 4, putting in an impressive performance in the 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao in a pre-season match.

Cody Gakpo found the net three times, twice for the Reds sandwiched by an own goal, during an eventful outing.

Earlier, Mohamed Salah had opened the scoring for Liverpool before Oihan Sancet equalised for the visitors.

“I think there’s always room for improvement in every department,” Slot told reporters.

“Like I said, we’ve added a few, in my opinion, extra weapons. So, Florian has a lot of creativity in the final third.

“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 full-backs – Milos (Kerkez) and Jeremie (Frimpong) – today.”

Liverpool, who won the Premier League for a record-equalling 20th English title, have been busy in the transfer market as they look to build on last season’s success.

Slot said it was crucial to strengthen the squad.

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

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

Meanwhile, Sunderland manager Regis le Bris was rewarded with a new long-term contract until 2028 on Aug 4.

The 49-year-old Frenchman was appointed in June 2024 after leaving French side Lorient and led the Black Cats back into the top flight.

A 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final in May marked the club’s return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.

“The connection I have with the staff, players and supporters has been natural, and we shared many great moments together,” said le Bris, whose side open their campaign at home to West Ham United on Aug 16.

“The collective ambition is there to see... Now, there is a desire to become stronger.

“I can feel the energy and intent to push forward, and we need that in the next challenges we will face.

“In every part of the organisation, everyone has their own part to play, and we are all aligned.”

Sunderland finished fourth in the Championship last season before earning a dramatic play-off semi-final victory over Coventry City to seal their spot at Wembley, where Tom Watson’s winner secured promotion.

The club have signed eight players over the summer, including former Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka.

Director of football Florent Ghisolfi said: “Regis’ new contract is a mark of recognition for the outstanding work he’s undertaken since arriving at Sunderland...

“More importantly, it reflects our trust in the future we’re building together.

“Our objective is to establish Sunderland as a Premier League club – not just in name, but in identity, performance, and ambition – and Regis is an important part of that vision.”
REUTERS, AFP