Wirtz Makes Up For Trent Loss

Slot praises German's creative ability after midfielder makes impressive Anfield debut

- 

LIVERPOOL - Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid has left Liverpool wanting for creativity, but the signing of attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz can help offset that deficiency, the English Premier League side's manager Arne Slot said.

Liverpool smashed their transfer record in June to sign Wirtz for an initial £100 million (S$171 million) to bolster their attacking options, with the German international having scored 57 goals and provided 65 assists in 197 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen.

Wirtz made his Anfield debut for his new club on Aug 4, putting in an impressive performance in the 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao in a pre-season match.

Cody Gakpo found the net three times, twice for the Reds sandwiched by an own goal, during an eventful outing.

Earlier, Mohamed Salah had opened the scoring for Liverpool before Oihan Sancet equalised for the visitors.

"I think there's always room for improvement in every department," Slot told reporters.

"Like I said, we've added a few, in my opinion, extra weapons. So, Florian has a lot of creativity in the final third.