Transfers
Slot Turns to Wirtz for Creativity as Liverpool Adjusts to Life After Trent
Liverpool are entering a new era — one without Trent Alexander-Arnold, their long-serving playmaker from right-back, who sealed a blockbuster move to Real Madrid earlier this summer. While the Reds have secured Jeremie Frimpong as a defensive reinforcement, manager Arne Slot is turning to an unlikely source to fill the creative void: new signing Florian Wirtz.
No More Trent: A Huge Gap to Fill
During his time at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold redefined the fullback role, registering a Premier League record 64 assists by a defender. His inch-perfect crosses, pinpoint diagonals, and vision from deep made him a consistent match-winner — particularly when breaking down deep defensive blocks.
Despite occasional questions over his defensive positioning, few doubted his offensive contributions. As Slot acknowledged in a post-match interview after Liverpool’s final pre-season friendlies:
“We have lost with Trent a lot of creativity from the back. Trent’s crosses and picking out runners was so special.”
Enter Florian Wirtz: Creativity, Repositioned
Rather than placing the creative burden on his new right-back Frimpong, Slot believes Wirtz, the 22-year-old German playmaker, can replicate Trent’s impact — albeit from a very different position.
“I think Florian has this quality as well in a totally different position,” Slot said. “But he brings that creativity.”
Signed from Bayer Leverkusen in one of the summer’s marquee transfers, Wirtz arrives with a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest attacking midfielders.
By the Numbers: Wirtz in 2024–25
In the last Bundesliga season, Wirtz ranked:
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Top 3 for assists
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Top 3 for expected assists (xA)
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Top 3 for passes into the penalty area
While the Bundesliga is often more open and transition-heavy than the Premier League, these numbers underline Wirtz’s elite final-third intelligence and ability to unlock defenses.
Slot is counting on that flair to supplement Liverpool’s creativity, especially in the central zones where the Reds sometimes struggled last season.
“There is always room for improvement in every department,” Slot added. “We have added a few extra weapons. Florian has a lot of creativity in the final third.”
Tactical Evolution Underway
Slot’s comments hint at a tactical shift for Liverpool. With less creativity coming from the flanks, particularly from deep, Liverpool may now look to dominate centrally — using Wirtz’s movement between the lines, quick combinations, and ability to create space for runners like Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, and Mohamed Salah.
In essence, Liverpool are moving from crossfield diagonals to clever verticals — a necessary evolution in the post-Trent era.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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