What Liverpool FC could look like under Arne Slot.

23/05/2024

With Jurgen Klopp's time at Liverpool officially over after The Reds 2-0 victory over Wolves, we look ahead to what the future holds and what Arne Slot could bring to Merseyside.


Slot ended his football playing career after 462 appearances with his final club being PEC Zwolle. Whilst a player he even came up against current Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk who was at Groningen in his early career.






                                                                                                        Photo by Peter Lous

With Jurgen Klopp's time at Liverpool officially over after The Reds 2-0 victory over Wolves, we look ahead to what the future holds and what Arne Slot could bring to Merseyside.

After hanging up his boots he began his managerial career in 2016 at Cambuur. He helped them reach the semi finals of the KNVB cup for the first time in their history beating Ajax in the process. Cambuur failed to reach the final due to losing out to his future club AZ Alkmaar on penalties. Whilst at AZ he became the first coach to win 19 points in his first eight Eredivisie games and also managed 2.11 points per game in the Eredivise, the highest of any coach in the clubs history.


However he was sacked as head coach due to his eyes being elsewhere and not focusing on the team with a deal having been recently negotiated with Feyenoord.


Slot stood out in the Netherlands whilst at Feyenoord due to reaching the final of the Europa Conference league. As well as this he also guided them to the league title after not having won it since 2017. With a strong CV in the Netherlands he has not had the chance to show his skills in another country until now.


Here is how we could see Liverpool line up next season under the dutchmen:


It is looking more likely than ever that Salah is to depart in this transfer window but he could surprise all Liverpool fans and stay by signing a new contract. Until then we must prepare for the Egyptian kings departure and the numerous amount of quality he brought to the club.


GK-Alisson


He has been instrumental for the Reds since he joined from Roma back in 2018. Who could forget that crucial save against Napoli in the champions League which then resulted in winning the competition. The Brazillian is guaranteed to be in the starting eleven next season.


RB- Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 25 year old born and bred in Liverpool has been a centre-piece to Klopp's Liverpool team. With his range of passing available to him, Slot will look to put this to good use. Questions have been asked about his defensive ability but in recent times it has improved massively and Alexander-Arnold is capable enough to play here.

CB- Virgil Van Dijk


Questions were asked whether the captain would stay for this new era but he has put those rumours to rest when he stated he wanted to be a part of the transition. The brick wall of defence has shown us time and time again why he is needed on the pitch. Whilst some mistakes have been made defensively this season, Van Dijk has to be a part of the new season.


CB- Ibrahima Konate.


The defender has slowly started to come out of his shell and provided fans with good performances each time he has played. With so much to improve on but being so young, he has enough time to learn from his peer and captain Van Dijk.He does have a slight injury problem but when available he has to be in the starting eleven.


LB- Andy Robertson.


The Scotsman has been crucial for Liverpool since he joined from Hull for 8 million pounds. Whilst this season he has been nowhere near his best, Robertson can still give a top quality performance.


CM- Ryan Gravenberch.


The dutchman has had a solid first season at Liverpool and he can only improve. With that dutch connection I can see Slot preferring him to others who may be available which could be a good thing as the best of the midfielder could be brought out in the next two years. Whilst he is physically strong he tends to play a more attacking role but I think Slot could turn him into a midfield powerhouse alongside MacAllister.


CM- Alexis MacAllister.


What a first season the Argentinian has had in Red. He has controlled the middle of the pitch in games and has been a real threat with his range of passing available to him. Mac Allister has also scored five goals in the league this season with a few outrageous strikes. Whilst he has played in an unnatural position of DM, he has done it well and will be a crucial piece of the puzzle next season for Liverpool.


CAM- Dominik Szoboszlai


The hungarian midfielder has had some good and bad games throughout the season and we are yet to see his full potential. With this being said he has played out of position and looked tired covering for Trent at RB at time. In an attacking position where he can dictate the play, he will be a menace and link up the play from defence to attack nicely.


LW- Cody Gakpo


As a dutch player, he will edge this position over Darwin Nunez. His good form towards the end of the season showed why Liverpool swooped in for him back in 2022. He can create chances out of nothing and will cause chaos for any fullback in the prem on his day.


ST- Diogo Jota


When available he is one of the best finishers in the league. He can find the net from any position in and around the box. His positioning is perfect and he has good hold up play. The portuguese's only downfall is his injury problems. With his availability a constant problem it is more likely we will see Darwin Nunez in this position instead.


RW- Harvey Elliott


The youngster has so much creativity but has not had a lot of chances to show it. He was a constant in the Europa League last season and constantly proved each time he was more than capable enough to play in the starting eleven. I believe that Slot will give him the opportunity to grow into a world class winger next season and he will be a crucial part to Liverpool for years to come.













                                                   Photo by Clive Brunskill



SUBS


Darwin Nunez- I believe that he will be fighting for his place on that front line and will get chances in place of Jota. He brings so much aggression to the side and creates so many chances. Hopefully he takes this chances under Slot and we finally see his full potential.


Joe Gomez- He has been a pivotal part of Liverpools final season under Klopp. When called upon he delivered and even earned himself a place in Gareth Southgate's provisional squad for the Euros. Gomez will be a great player to have due to his rotation around the backline.


Lutsharel Geertruida-He has said that he would love to follow his former manager and join Liverpool and he could be a great option for The Reds. His defensive abilities and previous experience playing under Slot could be extremely useful next season. His ability to play across the back line will also help with injuries.


Jarell Quansah- The youngster will be fighting for his place in the starting eleven against Konate. He has been so good when he played and looks so mature for his age. Hopefully Slot can give him the opportunities to develop into a Van Dijk type of player and be a key part of this Liverpool side for years to come.


Conor Bradley- He will be great cover for both fullbacks and wingers. His attacking style of play has caused a nuisance for many sides this season when he was given the opportunity. The youngster even managed to get on the scoresheet for his country.


Wataru Endo- He has been such a good signing for a low amount. When in need of a DM he has been brilliant and showed his experienced in the middle of the pitch. Endo will be a crucial player for the younger players and would be a good player to bring on when defending a lead.


Bobby Clark- The youngster has been solid when given the opportunity. Hopefully Slot gives him more minutes so that he can mature into a engine type of player for Liverpool.


Jayden Danns- He has showed his attacking prowess everytime he played. With some guidance from Slot, he could easily turn into a starting eleven player. His backheel goal against Manchester United under 21s shows what he is capable off. His energy similar to Nunez could be very useful when hunting for a goal.


Rayan Aït-Nouri- Liverpool have had a lot of interest in the 22 year old and he could perfectly fit in Slots team. He can attack up the pitch well but his defensive abilities are also good. Aït-Nouri could be the perfect replacement for Robertson who is aging and they will both push each other as far as possible.


Caoimhin Kelleher- He is heavily linked with a move away but is the perfect backup goalkeeper. When Alisson has been injured he has stepped up. It would be a real shame to see Kelleher leave.