Arne Slot has disclosed that he already knows who he plans to start as the number six for Liverpool in their Premier League opener away at Ipswich Town next weekend.
In Liverpool’s two pre-season friendlies against Sevilla and Las Palmas on Sunday, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo were deployed as the deepest-lying midfielders.
Meanwhile, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai have also featured in deeper roles during the summer.
Liverpool’s ongoing search for a new number six has been well documented.
The Reds are still pursuing a potential deal with Real Sociedad for Martin Zubimendi, as they try to persuade the Spaniard that his future lies at Anfield.
Arne Slot sidestepped questions about the Euro 2024 winner when speaking after Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with Las Palmas.
However, when reflecting on his midfield options, the Dutchman admitted that he has already decided which of his current squad members is best suited to the role.
“The ones I have tried there has sometimes to do with the players I have had available,” Arne Slot said.
“We have seen mostly Wata and Ryan there, and in the previous game even Dominik was a bit lower.
“I have quite a good idea which player suits there at this moment in my opinion best.
“But we are only one week working together with some players.
“Sometimes you feel this is the best number six but then the combination with the other two might not work out that well.
“It’s not to say the ones who played today will play next week or the weeks after.
“We are still in a situation where we are constantly evaluating which is the best line-up for us.
“Today you saw this, but that’s not to say it’s the same next week.”
The Dutchman added: “We have to improve day by day.
“I think we saw today in both games a lot of good things but I can make a big list also of things we have to improve, which is completely normal.
“Some of them with the certain new ideas we have, have only been [working] with this for a week so they have to adjust to that, they have to adjust to each other maybe with these some new ideas.
“So it’s normal that we are far from perfect, but even being far from perfect we can score four, so that’s a good start.”
On the feeling of hearing the home fans singing his name, Slot said: “Only positives.
‘What you hear is that they sing my name, but when I’m in the city or I have stayed for a while in the [hotel], those people and also the ones at AXA have been really nice to me.
“But it’s mostly like this if you become a head coach! People are always nice to you, especially if you haven’t lost yet!
“Although we did lose once, against Preston.
“So that helps. In general, I think people have been nice to me and have given me a warm welcome.
“Not only me, also the rest of my staff as well.”
Read more: Why Chelsea’s move for Samu Omorodion collapsed and attention shifted to Joao Felix
Red Bull Salzburg make £8.2m bid for Liverpool’s Bobby Clark
Manchester United close to securing new contract for Bruno Fernandes
