What does Arne Slot need to do to see Liverpool firing on all cylinders?
After a roller-coaster of a season last term, the Reds find themselves in a better position compared to this time last year. A string of summer signings including Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch saw Liverpool improve on a very average term the season before.
At one point this season, it seemed like the Reds would cruise through to every trophy and make it a memorable last season at Anfield for Jurgen Klopp but, reality is often disappointing.
Nevertheless, there were plenty of positives to take away from the 2023-24 season. Heading into a new era now, Arne Slot has a number of issues that he needs to set straight for himself and the club to have a fruitful start to the partnership. Let’s assess some of the things at the core that he needs to get right from the get-go to ensure smooth sailing.
1. Darwin Nunez
First up, we have Darwin Nunez. Two seasons in, and it still doesn’t seem like Nunez has found his feet on Merseyside after that big-money move from Benfica. Although his second season was much better than his debut term, there’s still so much more he could do. The 24-year-old Uruguayan closed out last season with 18 goals and 13 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions. While those numbers aren’t bad by any means, Nunez has a lot of untapped potential.
He’s been squandering too many chances in front of goal, and Arne Slot needs to inspire him to channel his inner Luis Suarez. Slot has previously coached a top-class striker in Santiago Gimenez at Feyenoord, so he should know what it takes to get Nunez performing at his best. It’s about unlocking that next level and helping him become more clinical in front of goal.
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2. Defensive stability
Liverpool have developed a bit of a reputation for conceding too many goals early in games. This issue might have cost them multiple titles this season. Even though our defensive structure has been solid overall, the tendency to let in early goals and chances has been our Achilles’ heel.
Teams like Manchester City and Arsenal have shown defensive solidity, something Liverpool could take inspiration from. But that doesn’t mean we should shy away from our counter-attacking style of play. Slot needs to find the right balance between defensive stability and maintaining our aggressive, attacking identity. A solid defence forms the backbone of any title-winning side, and Liverpool need to tighten up at the back to compete for silverware consistently. The likes of skipper Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah will play a central role in the restructuring of sorts of the Liverpool backline.
3. The curious case of Trent John Alexander-Arnold
Trent is undoubtedly a once-in-a-generation kind of player. He’s absolutely terrific, and it’s hard to put into words the impact he’s had on Liverpool’s recent success. Given his defensive shortcomings, there’s always been a question of whether he should move into midfield. To be fair, Trent has significantly improved the defensive side of his game. But with the emergence of a top-class right-back in Conor Bradley, there’s potential for Trent to shift to the right side of the midfield.
We’ve seen him play the inverted full-back role, transitioning into the midfield to create an overload, giving him a 360-degree view of the game. His chance creation is second to none, and it’s vital that there’s clarity over his role in the squad under Slot. Let’s see how things pan out for TAA under Arne Slot, especially since Trent, like Virgil, has just one year left on his contract. These are issues for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes to sort out, not Arne Slot.
Other major challenges
Beyond these core issues, there are other underlying aspects that Slot needs to address. Consistency, for one, has been a problem for Liverpool. The team has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to maintain that level throughout the season. Slot needs to instil a sense of consistency and resilience in the squad.
Also, adapting to the Premier League’s unique challenges will be crucial for Slot. The physicality, pace, and competitiveness of the league are unlike any other, and understanding these nuances will help him make informed tactical decisions. Learning from past mistakes and being flexible in his approach will be key to navigating the ups and downs of the season. This more often than not proves to be the biggest of all challenges, but the fact the management has given him the support means they see something in him that the usual football audience doesn’t.
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Slot has his work cut out for him as he takes the reins at Liverpool. Focusing on improving Darwin Nunez’s form, solidifying the defence, and finding the best role for Trent will be crucial. Beyond these, addressing consistency, midfield balance, player fitness, fan relationships, and adapting to the Premier League’s demands will be essential for a successful tenure. Here’s to a positive start and continued success for the club in the post-Jurgen Klopp era. YNWA.
