Liverpool boss Arne Slot believes new signing Florian Wirtz can step into the creative role vacated by Trent Alexander-Arnold following his move to Real Madrid this summer.

Alexander-Arnold’s departure ended a remarkable spell at Anfield where he produced 92 assists in 354 appearances, helping the Reds lift both the Premier League and Champions League among other honours. Slot, however, is confident that Wirtz can help fill that gap, albeit from a different position on the pitch.

> “With Trent leaving, we lost a huge source of creativity from deep areas,” Slot said after Liverpool’s double win over Athletic Club on Monday. “Florian can bring that same spark but higher up the pitch. His vision and ability to create opportunities in the final third are top-class.”




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Wirtz vs Alexander-Arnold – The Numbers Behind the Claim

Wirtz arrives with an impressive record from his time at Bayer Leverkusen, where he produced 65 assists in 197 games. Last season alone, he delivered:

12 assists in the Bundesliga

57 chances created

9.44 expected assists (xA) in 2,355 minutes


By comparison, Alexander-Arnold registered 6 assists, 53 chances created, and 7.37 xA in 2,377 Premier League minutes.

Although Wirtz plays further forward – naturally boosting his stats – his presence could shift Liverpool’s tactical reliance away from full-backs, with Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong now offering width and drive on the right.


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Two Different Players, One Shared Responsibility

While Alexander-Arnold’s trademark deliveries from deep defined Liverpool’s style under Jurgen Klopp, Wirtz’s creativity is more about unlocking defences closer to goal. This evolution could give Slot’s side a more balanced attacking setup heading into the new campaign.


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Liverpool’s Defensive Focus Turns to Marc Guehi

Away from the Wirtz discussion, Liverpool’s transfer activity could yet frustrate Newcastle United once again. After snapping up Hugo Ekitike and showing interest in Alexander Isak, the Reds are now strongly linked with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.

Newcastle have been chasing Guehi since last summer, but Palace’s resistance forced them to wait. With Virgil van Dijk now 34 and Real Madrid eyeing Ibrahima Konaté, Liverpool are eager to add another centre-back – and Guehi is reportedly keen on the switch.

Former Premier League scout Mick Brown told Football Insider:

> “The interest from Liverpool is still there, and from what I hear, Guehi wants that move. Newcastle might have to turn their attention elsewhere, possibly to Van Hecke at Brighton.”



With the transfer window heating up and Guehi’s future uncertain, the next few weeks could see another intense battle between Liverpool and Newcastle off the pitch.