- Slot praises new ليفربول signing Wirtz
- Alexander-Arnold left creative hole following Real move
- Wirtz makes Anfield bow in Athletic Club victory
Wirtz, 22, who joined the Reds in a £116 million ($156m) move from باير ليفركوزن this summer, made his first Anfield appearance in the club’s 3-2 win over Athletic Club in pre-season on Monday. That was his fourth start for the Reds during pre-season, with his first goal for his new club having come in the 3-1 win over Yokohama.
ال ألمانيا international gave Liverpool fans a glimpse of what they can expect from him in the 2025-26 season, with his clever link-up play often reminiscent of Alexander-Arnold, who was the الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز champions’ main creative outlet before sealing a switch to Real this summer.
When asked how Liverpool are shaping up ahead of the new season, Slot heaped praise on Wirtz’s creativity, saying: “I think there is always room for improvement in every department and we have added a few, in my رأي, extra weapons. Florian has a lot of creativity in the final third and we have lost with Trent a lot of creativity from the back.
“Trent’s crosses and picking out runners was so special – Flo has this quality in a totally different position. He brings that creativity.”
Wirtz was not the only new Liverpool signing on show against Athletic Club, as Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike also featured following their summer moves from Leverkusen, بورنموث و Eintracht Frankfurt respectively.
Liverpool are next in action when they contest the FA Community Shield against كريستال بالاس at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Indeed, that’s a fixture that’s left Slot feeling concerned, with him lamenting his side’s concession of two set-piece goals against Athletic Club, one of Palace’s main weapons. The Reds will then take on Bournemouth in their first Premier League match of the 2025-26 season at Anfield on August 15.
