Trent Alexander-Arnold accomplished a sensational switch to Actual Madrid and was formally unveiled throughout the FIFA Membership World Cup 2025, leaving a big void on Liverpool’s proper flank following yet one more Premier League title. Now, with a brand new season on the horizon, Reds supervisor Arne Slot has reportedly recognized the participant who will step into the inventive function vacated by the England worldwide.
Together with his time within the academy, Alexander-Arnold spent 20 years at Liverpool, establishing himself as one of many Premier League’s elite proper backs. In accordance with WhoScored, he ranks fourth within the league for many huge probabilities created because the 2020–21 season, with 89, an eye-popping stat for a defender.
After spending greater than €300 million in the summertime switch window, Liverpool signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, a proper again with a really completely different profile from Alexander-Arnold, now at Actual Madrid. However whereas Frimpong affords attacking width and tempo, Slot seems to be turning to a special type of participant to fill the inventive hole left by Trent.
Talking after Liverpool’s 3–2 preseason win over Athletic Bilbao on Monday, Slot singled out Florian Wirtz‘s efficiency: “I feel there may be all the time room for enchancment in each division and we have now added a number of, in my view, further weapons. Florian has quite a lot of creativity within the last third and we have now misplaced with Trent quite a lot of creativity from the again.”
Though Wirtz performs in a completely completely different a part of the pitch, Slot famous similarities of their playmaking instincts. “Trent’s crosses and choosing out runners was so particular. Wirtz has this high quality in a completely completely different place. He brings that creativity,” he added.
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Wirtz arrived at Anfield in a blockbuster €125 million transfer from Leverkusen, changing into the membership’s most costly signing. Naturally a No. 10 who operates behind the striker, Wirtz has already demonstrated his versatility in midfield. His imaginative and prescient and creativity could also be key to changing the playmaking output as soon as provided by Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool set to start European season subsequent week
With their preseason tour of Asia wrapped up and a last pleasant performed at Anfield, Liverpool now flip their consideration to aggressive motion. The Reds will kick off their 2025–26 marketing campaign at Wembley Stadium, dealing with Crystal Palace within the FA Group Protect on Sunday, August 10.
Palace shall be making their first-ever look within the match after lifting the FA Cup, whereas Liverpool qualify after topping the Premier League final season. A win for the Reds would see them tie Arsenal with 17 Group Protect titles, second solely to Manchester United’s 21.
