Cracking the Arne Slot Code: Liverpool’s New Era Begins

Liverpool’s recent friendly against Real Betis marked the unofficial start of Arne Slot’s tenure as manager. Although a behind-closed-doors match against Preston North End had preceded it, the clash with the Spanish side offered a more public glimpse into the new direction under Slot. With a 1-0 victory, the Reds opened their American tour, showcasing some of the tactical shifts and player dynamics that could define the upcoming season.

As Sam McGuire of Anfield Watch notes, these pre-season encounters are often more than just fitness exercises; they provide a critical window into the new manager’s approach. So, what can we glean from this initial showing?

Tactical Fluidity: A New Dawn

Slot wasted no time in demonstrating his tactical flexibility. With key players like Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Diogo Jota unavailable, the former Feyenoord boss made the bold decision to abandon traditional formations. “Slot wasted no time in making it clear that he’s not afraid to mix things up when required. The former Feyenoord boss, without Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota, decided to switch things up as opposed to simply shoehorning players into roles they aren’t suited to,” McGuire observed. Rather than forcing players into unfamiliar roles, Slot opted for a strikerless formation, even though he could have slotted Mohamed Salah or Fabio Carvalho into the centre-forward position.

Liverpool, therefore, played without a senior striker, a decision Slot clarified as a temporary fix: “We played with a double 10 that we’re not going to do during the season but we don’t have a striker at the moment. Once we have a centre forward, we will set up a bit differently.” This approach highlights Slot’s willingness to adapt and find short-term solutions, a refreshing quality that bodes well for the challenges ahead.

The Wataru Endo Conundrum

One of the more intriguing aspects of the match was the performance of Wataru Endo. The Japanese international struggled to find his footing, culminating in a booking for a clumsy foul. McGuire pointed out that Endo’s struggles were further highlighted when Tyler Morton entered the fray and displayed a calmness that the former VfB Stuttgart captain lacked. “His performance looked even worse after Tyler Morton was brought on. The former Hull City loanee looked at ease in the middle of the park, the complete opposite of the Japan international,” noted McGuire.

Liverpool’s stance on Endo’s future remains unclear. While they’ve rejected a bid from Marseille, rumoured to be around €14 million, there’s speculation that the club may be open to offers. The mixed messages suggest a club unsure of Endo’s role in the Slot era, a situation that warrants close attention as the transfer window progresses.

Fabio Carvalho’s Future: A Question Mark

Fabio Carvalho’s absence from the starting lineup also raised eyebrows. Despite Liverpool deploying dual attacking midfielders, Carvalho was left on the bench, with Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai preferred in the central roles. “Many would argue the No10 role is the former Fulham youngster’s natural position, yet he was overlooked,” noted McGuire. Carvalho himself did not shy away from expressing his disappointment, stating, “We spoke and he told me to try and settle on the wing but obviously I know where I play best and I feel that is as a No.10. I’m just going to do what he wants me to do and just work as hard as I can for him.”

The young midfielder’s comments suggest a level of dissatisfaction with his current role, raising questions about his long-term future at Anfield. Given Liverpool’s depth on the wings, Carvalho may find opportunities limited, making a move away from the club a real possibility.

Trey Nyoni: A Rising Star

Among the highlights of the match was the performance of Trey Nyoni, who replaced the injured Curtis Jones. Despite not playing in his natural position, Nyoni impressed with his composure and skill, particularly in a double pivot role. Slot himself acknowledged Nyoni’s impact: “It started with a player who came on [Nyoni] who speeded up the game for us a lot, he found these players in between the lines a lot of times, that’s the quality we needed in those No6 positions.” The 17-year-old’s versatility and maturity could make him a valuable asset this season, capable of filling multiple roles as required.

The Feyenoord Blueprint: A Tactical Preview

Although Slot has stated that the 4-2-4 formation with double 10s isn’t a permanent fixture, the tactical setup bears a striking resemblance to his Feyenoord days. The high and wide positioning of the wingers and the staggered double pivot are familiar elements from his time in the Eredivisie. As McGuire aptly notes, “You can already see that the Reds have adopted the Slot style.” This tactical fluidity, coupled with a willingness to adapt formations, suggests that Liverpool will be a more versatile and unpredictable side under Slot.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Sam McGuire’s observations in Anfield Watch offer a nuanced look at the early days of the Arne Slot era. The tactical flexibility displayed against Real Betis is encouraging, as it shows a manager willing to adapt and innovate. Slot’s decision to use a strikerless formation rather than shoehorning players into uncomfortable roles demonstrates a pragmatic approach, which could prove crucial in a long, grueling season.

However, the uncertainties surrounding players like Wataru Endo and Fabio Carvalho raise valid concerns. Endo’s shaky performance and the club’s ambiguous stance on his future suggest that he may not be a long-term fixture in Slot’s plans. Meanwhile, Carvalho’s apparent dissatisfaction with his role could lead to a potential exit, which would be a shame given his talent and potential.

Trey Nyoni’s emergence as a versatile option is a bright spot, offering hope for the future. His ability to adapt to different roles could make him a key player in Slot’s system, especially if injuries or suspensions come into play. The Feyenoord blueprint also provides a tactical foundation that could make Liverpool a formidable opponent, both in domestic and European competitions.

In summary, while there are still many questions to be answered, the early signs from Slot’s tenure are promising. His willingness to adapt and innovate, coupled with a young and talented squad, could make for an exciting season ahead for Liverpool fans.