Arne Slot will officially begin his head coach role at Liverpool in just a few days with an important summer on the horizon. After nearly a decade in charge, Jurgen Klopp has now departed the club but he has certainly left the squad in a far better place than how he found it.
Ahead of the 2023/24 season, Liverpool completed a number of marquee transfers, particularly in midfield, with depth now present all across the pitch. Slot will undoubtedly have his own transfer ideas, along with the returning Michael Edwards and new sporting director Richard Hughes.
However, one argument is that not many new signings will be needed with Slot just needing to add an extra few bodies as Liverpool prepare for their return to the Champions League. Fixing any issues already in the squad will likely be the priority for Slot, considering he has been named ‘head coach’ as opposed to manager.
Darwin Nunez appears at the centre of one of those with the Uruguay international enduring a difficult end to the season which has seen Liverpool exit rumours emerge. The form of Cody Gakpo, return of Diogo Jota and versatility of Harvey Elliot saw limited minutes arrive for Nunez with Slot facing a big task to turn his fortunes around.
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Ryan Gravenberch is another that struggled for consistent game time in his first season at Anfield but the former Bayern Munich man is clearly hoping for a better campaign under his fellow countrymen. Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad recently, he said. “I hope to play here [Liverpool] for years to come, and soon [I will be with] Dutch trainer Arne Slot.
“No, I’ve never spoken to him. Not even during my time as an Ajax player, but he is a trainer who likes attacking football. That should suit me, you would think. We will see.” Mohamed Salah is another to have been linked with an exit but Liverpool are of the expectation he will stay and therefore have a big role to play under Slot.
With all of that in mind, here is a look at how Slot could line-up his Liverpool team in the expected 4-2-3-1 before any transfers are made.
Alisson – Links to Saudi Arabia have come to light in recent weeks but Liverpool must do everything they can to keep the Brazil international under Slot especially with Caoimhin Kelleher possibly seeking pastures new.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Another player of huge importance to Liverpool is Trent Alexander-Arnold and it does not look as though he will be going anywhere anytime soon.
“I hope so,” he said when asked if he was expecting a smooth transition under Slot. “I have trust in the club and who we’ve appointed. As a player, that’s all you can ask for: to have trust in what the higher-ups have brought in. I’m sure it will be a smooth transition.”
Virgil van Dijk – The Liverpool captain is another to have spoken on the appointment of Slot and another likely to be key in defence. As a fellow Dutchman, the duo will likely get along well with talks already held that have seen Van Dijk predict success in the future.
Ibrahima Konate – Jarell Quansah will certainly have a role to play but it will likely be Ibrahima Konate given the nod more consistently. The Frenchman’s aggressive style of play and eagerness to jump into strong but fair challenges will certainly please Slot.
Andy Robertson – Another likely to benefit from Slot’s attacking and relentless tactics will be Andy Robertson. The Scotland international was beginning to show signs of his old self towards the end of the season with Slot undoubtedly hopeful that can transition into the new campaign.
Alexis Mac Allister – The Argentina international shined in a number of roles under Jurgen Klopp last season and he is thus certainly capable of playing a deep midfield role in Slot’s system.
Curtis Jones – Injuries plagued his final few months but Curtis Jones is definitely capable of filling in alongside Mac Allister. It will certainly be a slightly different role for the England under-21 international but as he has proven with the national team, he is extremely versatile.
Mohamed Salah – Playing slightly further back may not please Mohamed Salah but he will undoubtedly be given licence to fly forward. The Egypt international has struggled previously in such a role however his quality will likely still shine through under Slot.
Ryan Gravenberch – This may seem like a surprise inclusion but if anyone can get the best out of Gravenberch, it will likely be Slot. Given his recent comments about attacking more, the 22-year-old could become the man deployed at the point of Slot’s midfield while also jumping out alongside the forward when pressing.
Luis Diaz – The final two spots in attack could certainly be up for debate but Luis Diaz will likely be placed on the left-hand side. The Colombian’s energy will be a valuable trait to Slot with Cody Gakpo or Darwin Nunez as more than capable replacements.
Diogo Jota – Slot craves a goal scorer at the tip of his team and that is exactly what Diogo Jota is. Gakpo and Nunez, like they are out wide, will both be alternatives but if the Portugal international can put the recent injuries behind him, he will be of great value to the new Liverpool boss.
Possible Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Gravenberch, Diaz; Jota.
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