Arne Slot compares Florian Wirtz’s style to that of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool

Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes new signing Florian Wirtz can fill the creative void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid.

Speaking to The Madrid Zone, Slot said that although Wirtz plays in a different position, the German international offers the same level of vision and creativity that Alexander-Arnold brought to the Reds’ defense and midfield.

“With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, we lost a lot of creativity in defense,” Slot explained. “Florian Wirtz has these qualities, but in a different position.”

New Engine of the Reds’ Midfield

Slot envisions Wirtz as the creative centerpiece of his midfield setup. Though primarily an attacking midfielder, the 21-year-old showcased his ability to build from deeper areas during his time at Bayer Leverkusen—often dropping alongside Granit Xhaka to orchestrate plays.

That tactical flexibility could benefit Liverpool, especially with midfielders like Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch capable of interchanging roles. Wirtz is expected to alternate duties with the Argentine, offering unpredictability and tactical depth in the central areas.

Wirtz Impresses in Pre-Season

Wirtz has already made his Liverpool debut in pre-season friendlies, helping the Reds beat Milan 4-2 and Athletic Bilbao 3-2.

Against Milan, he played the full 90 minutes as a striker, completing 91% of his 36 passes and earning a 6.8 rating, according to Transfermarkt. In the match against Bilbao, the German returned to his natural attacking midfield role, completing 80% of his passes, making two key passes, and finishing with a 6.0 rating in 74 minutes.

A Creative Solution for Slot’s Vision

While Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid left a tactical gap, Slot remains confident that Wirtz can emerge as the creative hub of the new Liverpool era. The manager’s comparisons with the England international suggest big expectations but also a clear plan to redefine the team’s attacking structure around its young German playmaker.