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Arne Slot believes Liverpool has replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creativity by bringing in Florian Wirtz this summer and adding more pace to his team.
The Reds faced a unique and complicated task earlier this window when the defender, who joined Real Madrid in June, left. Alexander-Arnold’s passing range and ability to provide assists drop deep make him a unique right-back in the global game.
In replacing Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool faced a daunting task: the Reds needed to sign a reliable right-back and also fill the creative void the 26-year-old left behind him. Wirtz was the solution to latter, even though he will fashion the majority of chances from central positions.
As for the right-back conundrum, Jeremie Frimpong has joined and Conor Bradley will play a more significant role this term, while fellow speedster Milos Kerkez has come in on the left flank. Hugo Ekitike also showed his rapid acceleration in Monday’s win over Athletic Bilbao, and Slot has confidence in his attacking resources heading into the new season.
“We've added a few, in my opinion, extra weapons,” the Liverpool head coach told LFCTV after the game.
“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, the pace of both full-backs – Milos and Jeremie today.
“Like I said, you need to make in everything you do the next step because our competitors are not sitting still as well – 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.”
Slot was speaking after a Liverpool side containing summer signings Frimpong, Kerkez, Wirtz and Ekitike helped the team to a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Mohamed Salah netted the opener in the match, while Cody Gakpo netted two after the break.
Earlier on Monday, an understrength Liverpool won 4-1 against the same opponent, who also selected an XI shorn of its best talents. Rio Ngumoha, Darwin Nunez, Ben Doak and Harvey Elliott were all target in the victory.
Next up for Liverpool is Sunday’s Community Shield against FA Cup holders Crystal Palace at Wembley.
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