The new era begins at Liverpool as Arne Slot takes his team to Portman Road Stadium to face Ipswich Town. Slot used the pre-season tour in July to assess the squad that he has inherited from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp.
Meanwhile, Liverpool fans enjoyed the tactical shift in Liverpool’s style of play as something new and pleasantly refreshing for them. There is no doubt that the fans adored Klopp and his aggressive high-pressing and direct attacking style, giving countless memories.
However, Slot’s emphasis on possessional play while maintaining the philosophy that Klopp installed showed more efficiency and structure in the game. Unlike other new head coach who try to eradicate the work of their predecessors, Slot has shown respect towards Klopp.
The humility combined with his high tactical demand from the player has won over many fans already. Nevertheless, the true test begins when the Premier League starts and the fixtures arrive quickly along with the endless pressure.
Liverpool will play more games with the change in the Champions League format, another variable that Slot needs to deal with. However, all eyes are on the first Premier League game right now against a newly-promoted side that earned enormous praise.
As Liverpool starts their campaign, here are the three talking points ahead of the away game –
Diogo Jota over Darwin Nunez
Slot has maintained that Darwin Nunez is his first-choice number nine for the coming season despite past struggles. For the Uruguayan, he needs to deliver with better finishing and consistency after the late drama last season.
The majority of the Liverpool fans maintain their faith in the 25-year-old and believe that Slot can unlock his full potential. Darwin has continued to contribute irrespective of his struggle in front of goals, providing assists and working hard selflessly.
However, Diogo Jota has a strong case to play as the number nine against Ipswich after a strong pre-season tour. Nunez started the training late as he represented Uruguay in Copa America, unlike Jota who joined the Reds earlier. The Portuguese forward is arguably the best finisher in the attacking department alongside Mohamed Salah and a capable number nine.
With form and fitness on his side, Jota is a sure starter against Ipswich which relegates Nunez to the bench. Nevertheless, the two players will rotate a lot and play considerable games which could also help Jota to stay fit.
The number six: Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool faced another loss in the transfer pursuit for a strong number six when Martin Zubimendi rejected them. The Real Sociedad midfielder’s love for mountains and loyalty towards his club overpowered his ambitions in the end.
As for Liverpool, the situation is a recurring theme for them now as many reliable journalists suggested that there are no alternatives. Slot has already chosen his number six for the game against Ipswich, despite the transfer sagas and off-field chaos.
The new head coach used Gravenberch in the friendly game against Seville and the young Dutchman did not disappoint. The tactical difference from Slot also allows the number six to have more shield in defence, nullifying Gravenberch’s weaknesses.
As the team narrows down off-the-ball, the 22-year-old has less area to cover and more teammates to assist him. In possession, Gravenberch has enjoyed the freedom to dictate the tempo and circulate passes or make progressive carries.
The system has shown glimpses of allowing the young Dutchman to flourish his strength while negating his weaknesses. The true test will start on Saturday when the Premier League clubs bombard the midfield with high intensity.
Jarell Quansah over Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool have a shortage in the central defence since Joel Matip left the club as a free agent. However, they still have strong options like Jarell Quansah, Ibrahima Konate, captain Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
The Reds will play Van Dijk as the left-sided centre-back but the right side is still up for discussion. Quansah has proven more comfortable with what Slot has demanded from the defenders compared to Konate.
Konate lacks the elegance and fluidity on the ball that Quansah displays while providing calmness in possession. Nevertheless, the Frenchman remains a formidable defender when the opposition is attacking the Reds and they need someone to dominate the defensive space.
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Furthermore, Konate will continue to rotate with Quansah as that is the only way to help him maintain his fitness. As things stand, Quansah will start ahead of Konate against Ipswich after delivering strong defensive performances in the pre-season.
