Arne Slot has brought a refreshing tactical approach to Liverpool, blending elements of his high-pressing philosophy with possession-based football.
When Bill Shankly stepped down as the Reds manager in 1974, Bob Paisley faced the unenviable task of succeeding one of the club’s greatest figures.
Yet Paisley not only maintained the high standards set by his predecessor but elevated Liverpool to unprecedented heights.
In a similar vein, Arne Slot has taken the reins of a Liverpool team that was moulded into a global force under Jurgen Klopp.
The question now is: how has Slot impacted the club, and can he replicate or even surpass the success of his legendary predecessor?
Liverpool could see the return of several first-team members following the international break.
The Reds will resume Premier League action on October 20 when they host Chelsea at Anfield.
Under the management of Arne Slot, Liverpool have enjoyed a stellar start to the season, winning six of their first seven Premier League fixtures and currently sitting at the top of the table.
Their most recent victory came against Crystal Palace, which left them one point ahead of Manchester City.
As Liverpool prepare for the match against Chelsea, their position in the league could shift before kick-off, with Manchester City and Arsenal both playing their respective fixtures beforehand.
However, Arne Slot could receive a significant boost for the Chelsea clash with the potential return of injured players.
Flashscore’s Steven Carson weighs in on the team’s impressive start to the season, provides insight into Arne Slot’s impact, and previews the highly anticipated showdown against Chelsea on Sunday at Anfield.
Liverpool have enjoyed a promising start to the new season under their new head coach Arne Slot. What’s your general overview of the Reds so far?
Steven Carson: Even though it’s still very early in Slot’s reign, I do think it’s clear the players are buying into his tactics and implementing them well. Liverpool do look a little different this season, there seems to be an effort to include the wing-backs in a way we haven’t quite seen before as they’re now being utilised for their pace as well as their ability to cross into the box, effectively giving Liverpool more options in attack. There also seems to be an effort to play to specific player’s strengths – Cody Gakpo, for example, is being used in positions familiar to him from his time with the Dutch national team, with whom he almost always scores. Dominik Szoboszlai, too, is being used in a slightly different role than he was under Jurgen Klopp. It’s like Slot is using Dom as his Bobby Firmino, he never stops running! Generally, Liverpool have impressed so far this season, but the Reds could be a bit more clinical in front of goal. Keeping Diogo Jota fit should be a priority going forward. I love Darwin Nunez, but Diogo is just a lot more clinical in front of goal and is a real ‘fox in the box’, which is something we are often lacking when Diogo’s not on the pitch. We’ve also been brilliant defensively, I should add.
Before the season kicked off, some Liverpool supporters had reservations about Slot’s appointment, given his limited experience at the top level as a head coach. Have you been impressed with the Dutchman?
Steven Carson: I have been very impressed by Slot, but that wasn’t much of a shock. I regularly speak with people who cover Dutch football and they had nothing but great things to say about him prior to his move to Liverpool becoming official. When I look at the appointments of Erik ten Hag and Ange Postecoglou, I wonder if these were made more because the manager was in a good run of form or if it’s because the manager suits the club and playing styles expected by fans. With Slot and Liverpool, it’s definitely the latter. He will appeal to the fans, in a different way to Jurgen Klopp, but he will also deliver a brand of football we like to see at Anfield. I don’t like lofty comparisons, but Slot following in the footsteps of Klopp feels a little bit like Bob Paisley following Bill Shankly. There is a long road ahead, to be clear, but Slot does feel like that understated, level-headed, winner-type of character who could capitalise in a big way on the foundations already built. Ultimately, we’ll see. But it has been a good start.
One of the consistent performers this season for Liverpool is Ryan Gravenberch. Have you been surprised by his performances as a no.6?
Steven Carson: Yes! And that’s not because I thought Gravenberch wasn’t capable of it, but it’s because I thought he’d need a little longer to eke his way into the side. He’s doing a great job and I couldn’t be happier for him. I’m not sure he will keep his current role in the squad as I feel he’s more of a Gini Wijnaldum than a Fabinho, but if he’s happy and it’s working out for the team, then long may it continue. That said, I am assuming Liverpool will continue to play with the same formation in midfield, with one recognised number six, but perhaps that won’t be the case long-term. Either way, Gravenberch is probably one of the first names on the team sheet at the moment!
Liverpool have been silent on Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contracts situation. What do you envisage will happen in the next few months?
Steven Carson: It’s a tough one. In an ideal world, all three would sign contracts, money ignored, until they hang up their boots. They’re that good. But I think we’ll have to lose one of them. As Virgil is the captain and Trent is arguably our most valuable player right now, I think it’ll be those two who sign. If I’m right, it’ll be heartbreaking to lose Mo. He is still a wonderful footballer and a living legend of the club. If the club can get all three to sign a new deal, it would be the best thing that’s happened in years. Looking at the way the club’s owners handled Wijnaldum, Firmino and Sadio Mane’s exits, I imagine they’ll simply allow Salah to leave at the end of his contract if he doesn’t agree to reduced terms. But Mo is a very, very special player. If FSG are to act out-of-character for anyone, it’s him. I hope something can be worked out, for Mo and for both Trent and Virgil.
After the international break, Liverpool will face a tough test as they host Chelsea at Anfield. What are the team’s chances ahead of the game and what will be your prediction?
Steven Carson: I think we’ll beat them. It’ll be tough, but I think we are just superior to Chelsea in every way even without Alisson. They’re in a decent run of form, they look like the fourth-best team in the league, but I’m not sure I’m looking at a proper team when I see Chelsea. Rather, a group of individuals. Maybe I’m wrong, but I do think the togetherness of Liverpool’s squad is an underrated aspect at times. Defensively, I’m not worried, especially as Van Dijk has left the Dutch camp a little earlier than expected, but we have shown weakness in finishing off attacking opportunities at times and I just hope our attackers are able to take advantage against Chelsea. We do not want a repeat of Nottingham Forest, but I suppose Chelsea will be more keen on attacking Liverpool at Anfield, which is perhaps where they’ll make themselves more vulnerable. A prediction? I think, let’s say, Liverpool will win 2-1.
Thanks to Steven Carson for his overview of Arne Slot’s impact at Liverpool so far this season. You can follow Steven on X, @sjrcarson.
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