Business is booming as far as Arne Slot’s Liverpool are concerned. Replacing a manager with a legacy at Anfield like Jurgen Klopp was always going to be a challenge, but when the German said his farewells at the end of last season, he encouraged fans to keep faith with Slot. The new boss now heads into the first international break with a 100% record in charge, exciting those betting on football with his team.
The changes that Slot made, though subtle, have led to Liverpool joining defending champions Manchester City atop the Premier League table at the time of writing, winning all three of their games without conceding a goal.
Klopp’s heavy metal football has reverted to a soft rock, with the Reds controlling the tempo of games more, and if they can continue to build this run, they will have an outside chance of challenging on all fronts once again.
In this article, we assess what Slot has done to ensure such a good start to life in England, and what the Dutchman can do to keep his side ticking over beyond the opening weeks of the season. Read on to find out more.
Off to a flying start
Liverpool have always had a devastating attacking – Mohamed Salah scoring 20 goals or more in each of his seven seasons at Anfield — and this has led to a perfect start domestically.
Victories over Ipswich Town, Brentford, and Manchester United have all been impressive in their own right. The newly promoted Ipswich had the home crowd behind them, and Slot had to deal with the pressure of a Premier League debut away from home.
Against Brentford, the Reds had to soak up pressure from Thomas Frank’s side, before springing counterattacks at speed, then remain patient for a second goal in the Dutchman’s first Anfield win.
Then, in the 3-0 crushing against United, Slot calmly dealt with the hostilities of Old Trafford to become the first Liverpool boss to win his opening clash with United since Bob Paisley in November 1975. He bested Dutch compatriot Erik ten Hag with a breathtaking display – Salah on hand to provide a goal and two assists.
Recruitment
Liverpool’s transfer window was heavily criticised, as for most of the summer, it looked as if FSG were reluctant to bring in any alternatives to their first choice players.
A move for Martin Zubimendi – a classy holding midfielder who was part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad – ultimately fell through due to the player’s loyalty to Real Sociedad, but with Ryan Gravenberch performing admirably in the position, the Reds have benefited.
In the end, two new arrivals signed for Liverpool. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili agreed to a £35 million move from Valencia but will remain in Spain for this season.
Federico Chiesa also joined in the final hours of the window. The former Juventus man had previously suffered with long-term injuries but arrives from The Old Lady with a point to prove. At just £12 million, he represents low risk and high reward – the Italian capable of deputising anywhere across the frontline with his versatility.
A new formation
Slot’s decision to play two holding midfielders has allowed his side to dominate possession in all their wins.
Gravenberch has partnered Alexis Mac Allister in front of the back four, with both given licence to roam at the right moments. Endo Wataru will likely be a backup in that position, with the likes of Curtis Jones and even Trent Alexander-Arnol stepping in throughout the season.
Cody Gakpo, who many believed would feature heavily off the left, has had to wait for his chances from the bench, with Luis Diaz enjoying an electric start to the new campaign with three goals in as many games.
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With the Champions League and League Cup fixtures piling up throughout the next few months, it will be interesting to see how Slot evolves his side throughout the busy periods of the season.
The likes of Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan await in Europe, as Slot hopes to compete for every trophy available once again.
