Liverpool’s USA Tour: Key Takeaways and Future Prospects

Liverpool’s tour of the United States provided a valuable opportunity for the team to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the new season. Under the guidance of new head coach Arne Slot, the Reds delivered an impressive performance, securing three wins in as many matches. The squad scored six goals, conceded only one, and, crucially, avoided injuries. Slot’s satisfaction with the tour’s outcome was evident in his comments, describing it as “very positive.”

So let’s delve into the significant aspects of Liverpool’s USA tour, exploring the team’s tactical evolution, player performances and future challenges. With the Premier League opener against Ipswich Town fast approaching, we will assess what has clicked and the issues that still need addressing.

Embracing a New Style of Play

The absence of key players due to their participation in international tournaments such as Euro 2024 and Copa America posed a considerable challenge for Slot. Nevertheless, the tour highlighted the positive aspects of Liverpool’s evolving style of play. The players available embraced Slot’s tactical changes, showcasing a noticeable improvement over the three matches.

Harvey Elliott, who shone in the coveted No. 10 role, expressed his enthusiasm for the new approach. “It’s a lot different — it’s more about in possession,” Elliott remarked. “It’s an elegant Dutch style. The players are really excited about certain patterns we’re playing. There’s a buzz around the team.” Fellow midfielder Curtis Jones also appreciated the team’s new playing philosophy, stating, “This is more me.”

Slot’s hands-on approach during training sessions was evident, particularly at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Unlike his predecessor Jurgen Klopp, who often delegated training duties to his assistants, Slot actively guided the sessions. His emphasis on precise passing, movement, and positional play was clear. For instance, he demonstrated to Kostas Tsimikas the importance of gesturing for a run behind the defence, only to receive the ball into his feet instead.

This meticulous training paid off in Liverpool’s third match against Manchester United. The team’s third goal, scored by Tsimikas after a well-executed build-up involving Conor Bradley and Mohamed Salah, mirrored the drills practised during the tour. Slot’s influence was undeniable, and the squad’s sharpness, especially from Salah, was evident after a proper summer break. With key attackers like Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, and Luis Diaz set to return, Liverpool’s firepower looks promising.

Midfield Questions and Search No. 6

Despite the tour’s positives, concerns remain about Liverpool’s midfield composition, particularly the holding midfielder role. The speculation surrounding the acquisition of a specialist No. 6 continues to grow. Wataru Endo, who struggled to adapt to Slot’s possession-based style, failed to make a significant impact. Endo’s underwhelming performance, notably against Real Betis and Arsenal, raised doubts about his suitability for the role.

In contrast, Dominik Szoboszlai and Jones were preferred in deeper positions, while Elliott played in a more advanced role. The decision to rest Szoboszlai against Manchester United due to fatigue and instead start Ryan Gravenberch alongside Jones was telling. Gravenberch, who had a mixed first season at Anfield, showed promise but still has room for improvement.

As Liverpool await the return of their full squad, including key players like Virgil van Dijk, Gakpo, Diaz, Nunez, Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez, the midfield options remain diverse yet lacking a dynamic, specialist No. 6. This deficiency partly explains the lack of control Slot lamented against Manchester United. Despite the 3-0 victory, the game was more challenging than the scoreline suggested. Liverpool were too easy to play through at times, leading to numerous chances for the opposition.

Squad Decisions and Future Transfers

Liverpool’s tour of the United States featured a roster of 32 players, with seven senior players still on holiday. As Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes evaluate the squad, crucial decisions regarding outgoings must be made. Fabio Carvalho, for instance, has impressed during the tour, scoring against Arsenal and United. Despite this, it remains uncertain whether he will secure a regular starting spot once the squad is fully assembled.

Joe Gomez, Liverpool’s current longest serving player, almost joined Newcastle United for £45 million in late June. Although Liverpool are not actively seeking to sell him, the possibility of a transfer cannot be ruled out. Additionally, young talents like Tyler Morton, Bobby Clark and Ben Doak present further dilemmas for the club’s hierarchy. Nathaniel Phillips appears destined to depart, while Sepp van den Berg’s future remains uncertain despite his strong performances during the tour.

Off-Pitch Success and Challenges

Liverpool’s USA tour was not just a success on the pitch but also off it. The tour attracted over 190,000 supporters across three matches, demonstrating the Premier League’s growing popularity in the United States. The 69,879 attendance for the game against Arsenal in Philadelphia set a new record for football at Lincoln Financial Field. Similarly, the match against Manchester United in Columbia, South Carolina, drew a crowd of 77,559, the highest for a non-American football event at the venue.

The tour also offered opportunities for team bonding and cultural experiences. The players enjoyed iconic locations such as the Rocky Steps and Front Street boxing gym in Philadelphia. They also attended a baseball game at Citizens Bank Park, where Harvey Elliott exchanged signed shirts and chatted with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox.

The Rocky Steps 📍 pic.twitter.com/hmOE2nGkYg

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 31, 2024

However, logistical issues during the tour were also apparent. In Columbia, heavy thunderstorms nearly delayed the match against Manchester United, and the lack of transport infrastructure led to significant inconveniences for fans. Many supporters faced long walks back to downtown Columbia due to gridlocked roads and a lack of available taxis.

Let’s Get To Work

Liverpool’s USA tour under Arne Slot has provided a solid foundation for the upcoming season. The team showcased promising signs of tactical evolution, with players embracing a more possession-based style. While concerns remain regarding the midfield’s composition and the need for a specialist No. 6, the overall outlook is positive. The tour also underscored the Premier League’s growing influence in the United States, attracting significant crowds and commercial success.

As the new season approaches, Slot and his team have a platform to build on. The challenges of squad decisions, potential transfers, and integrating returning players will test their resolve. However, the early signs suggest that Liverpool are on the right track, with the potential for a successful campaign ahead.