Positive Early Signs For Slot’s Liverpool

For a club undergoing seismic change, preseason has gone relatively smoothly for Liverpool. The Reds identity had reflected the personality and style of Jurgen Klopp for nine seasons which included both a Premier League and a Champions League title during a prolonged period of top-level competitiveness. There was understandable trepidation after the German manager stepped aside after last season.

Into the breach steps Arne Slot, the former Feyenoord manager in the Dutch Eredivisie. Slot can be expected to tone down the fast-paced Gegenpressing style that was so successful for his predecessor and to implement a bit more possession-based control, perhaps not born of the Pep Guardiola school but certainly reflecting the more controlled philosophy of many Dutch coaches influenced by Johan Cruyff. Perhaps more “soft rock” versus Klopp’s “heavy metal” style of play. Early returns from the less than definitive, certainly not predictive, preseason tour of the US have been encouraging.

Things have gone well in stark contrast to some of the other top English Premier League clubs who are experiencing disasters perhaps not seen by the British in North America since 1776. Manchester City, of course, looks fine with Erling Haaland lighting up the scoresheet even as many other City stars are yet to rejoin the club after competing for their countries. The first look at Chelsea under new manager Enzo Maresca has been exceptionally troubling as the Blues have looked confused and disorganized in losing three of their four matches in poor fashion. Manchester United has already suffered key injuries to striker Rasmus Höglund and new center back Lenny Yoro and was spanked 3-0 by rival Liverpool on Saturday.

Liverpool, meanwhile, has sailed to three consecutive victories, knocking off Premier League top four contenders Manchester United and Arsenal in the process. Mo Salah has appeared to be a man on a mission, shining on the US tour despite the constant speculation that he may leave the club for Saudi Arabia. Salah’s relationship with Klopp had become fractious last season (and perhaps less visibly before) and eyes are understandably focused on how things begin out of the gate between the Liverpool legend and his new manager. So far, so good as Salah seems to be enjoying himself, shedding the despondent mien that characterized his demeanor last season and displaying the joy, and importantly the production, Liverpool fans have been accustomed to from their star. Salah assisted on the winning goal versus Real Bettis and then followed up with a goal of his own versus Arsenal. Fabio Carvalho scored the second goal in the win over the Gunners and then added one in the romp over Manchester United. Carvalho was not favored by Klopp and spent the last two seasons on loan at RB Leipzig and Hull City, respectively. Either the attacking midfielder provides another weapon for Slot or Liverpool can choose to cash in with Southampton reportedly in hot pursuit.

With seven players yet to return after international duty, opportunities have been plentiful for other players to make an impression on the new manager. Harvey Elliot and Curtis Jones, each of whom saw some time in Klopp‘s lineups, have impressed in bids for larger roles this coming season. Elliot assisted on both goals versus Arsenal. Right back Conor Bradley has again shined in the preseason, working well with Salah on the right flank, after logging extensive and impressive minutes in the latter half of last season while Trent Alexander-Arnold was injured. The rise of Bradley creates genuine competition for Alexander-Arnold who, like Salah, is entering the final season of his current contract. Slot inherits from Klopp a cupboard which is far from bare with a wealth of young talent helping to ease the transition to a new managerial regime.

There are needs, however, which could be addressed in the transfer market. Chief among these is a Number 6. Wataru Endo became the preferred choice after the club missed out on several sought-after midfielders in last summer’s window. Endo, while serviceable, is not viewed as the long-term answer. Slot is reportedly looking for a more deep lying playmaking from his defensive midfielder. Ryan Gravenberch got a run at the position versus Manchester United, but the consensus thinking is that the solution probably lies in the transfer market. Failing that, the club may look for 19-year-old youngster Stefan Bajcetic to fill the role or even Alexis Mac Allister in a pinch. Another area likely needing strengthening is center back where Joel Matip has departed and there has been talk that Joe Gomez could be following him out the door. Crystal Palace center back Joachim Andersen has been rumored to be a potential transfer target. The trajectory of 21-year-old Jarell Quansah, who continued to impress this preseason after a strong debut last season, also helps to mitigate center back concerns.

There is some worry about the lack of precision by Liverpool’s attack last season. Much of that concern focuses on striker Darwin Nunez. The Uruguayan international works selflessly and creates chances. Finishing with the ball in the net is where the often wildly inaccurate Nunez often falls short. An emotional and sometimes immature Nunez was falling out of favor with Jurgen Klopp towards the end of season. It seemed the striker was reaching the end of the road at Anfield. Nunez, however, will reportedly be given a new lease by Slot as rumors of a new striker acquisition have quieted. Nunez is just one star in a constellation of attackers which should be the envy of many Premier League rivals. It all starts with Salah, of course, but Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota also provide menace. Alexis Mac Allister is a force in the center of the midfield. Dominik Szoboszlai, however, cooled off considerably after a bright start to his Liverpool career last season. The Hungarian international will need to regain his top form or lose his spot to Harvey Elliot in a position from which Slot will be looking for the type of creativity which is a strength of Elliot’s. Talk of a possible move by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson to Saudi Arabia has become muted of late. Liverpool has a competent backup in Caoimhin Kelleher but could also look to the transfer market should Alisson look for a payday.

In short, despite a quite transfer window, the Reds under new manager Arne Slot have no shortage of options on their deep roster. The Reds should be poised for another top four run, and possibly more, when they open their season at newly promoted Ipswich Town on August 17th.