Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, has sparked hope at Anfield with his team’s fantastic start to the season. They have lost just one game, and have been almost impeccable all season. However, he has made an admission in his decision to include Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in his Champions League dream team. While this choice may not seem surprising now, it is a significant change in Slot’s opinion.
Just a year ago, the Dutch manager admitted he wouldn’t have picked Gerrard for such an honour. But now, as the man leading Liverpool, his perspective has shifted.
Liverpool fans will certainly be excited with their start to the season. Though they have started quite well, they know that the toughest challenges are yet to come, hence the need to be louder in the stadiums, and this will only be possible with the massive purchase of Liverpool tickets from an online resale store.
Arne Slot’s choice of Gerrard over Andres Iniesta
Slot, who was previously the manager of Feyenoord in the Netherlands, took over the Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp’s long and successful reign ended. Klopp, who transformed Liverpool into a powerhouse, left big shoes to fill, but Slot’s impressive start has already won over many fans at Anfield.
Since Slot’s arrival in the summer, Liverpool has dominated the Premier League, sitting at the top of the table with six wins out of seven games. Additionally, Slot’s team has performed brilliantly in the Champions League, defeating Italian sides, AC Milan and Bologna. His early success suggests that Liverpool is in safe hands and on track for a promising season.
When Slot was asked to pick his dream team of players who have shone in the Champions League, Slot made an interesting comparison between Steven Gerrard and two other football legends: Andres Iniesta and Zinedine Zidane. Both Iniesta and Zidane are considered some of the greatest midfielders in history, known for their skill, creativity, and winning major titles, including multiple Champions League trophies. But Slot picked the former England and Liverpool midfielder Gerrard over these icons.
Slot’s reasoning was clear. While Iniesta and Zidane played with exceptional teammates throughout their careers, like Lionel Messi for Iniesta and Ronaldo for Zidane, Gerrard didn’t always have the same luxury. In Slot’s own words: “Gerrard played with good to really good teammates, but he didn’t have the same level of support that Iniesta or Zidane did. That is what makes him special.”
Steven Gerrard’s importance to Liverpool is undeniable. During his time at the club, he was known for his leadership, passion, and ability to score crucial goals. Gerrard captained Liverpool for many years and became a fan favourite not just for his ability but for his loyalty. He famously led Liverpool to that unforgettable night in Istanbul, where they won the 2005 Champions League final. Despite being 3-0 down at halftime, Gerrard’s inspiring performance helped the team come back and eventually win the match on penalties. This achievement solidified his status as one of Liverpool’s greatest players of all time.
However, despite his success as a player, Gerrard’s managerial career has been a little less heroic. After leading Rangers to a historic Scottish Premier League title, Gerrard’s time at Aston Villa in the English Premier League didn’t go as planned, and he was eventually sacked. This led many to question whether he would ever manage Liverpool, a dream job for the former Reds legend.
A year ago, Slot might have chosen someone like Iniesta for his dream team. Iniesta, who spent most of his career at Barcelona, is regarded as one of the most technically gifted players of all time. But Slot now feels Gerrard deserves a place alongside other legends because of his ability to carry Liverpool in difficult moments, despite not having a team full of superstars around him.
Slot’s new role at Liverpool likely played a part in his change of heart. As Liverpool’s manager, he is surrounded by reminders of the club’s history and the iconic players who have made it great. Gerrard’s legacy is everywhere at Anfield, and Slot’s respect for him has only grown as he has become more immersed in the club’s culture.
Individual brilliance beats collective brilliance for Slot
One of the major points Slot raised when discussing his dream team is the difference between players who shine because of their teammates and those who stand out regardless of who they are playing with. Iniesta and Zidane were part of legendary teams; Barcelona and Real Madrid, where they played with some of the best players in the world. This made their jobs a little easier, as they were surrounded by players who could match their talent.
Gerrard, on the other hand, often found himself carrying the weight of Liverpool on his own shoulders. While he had some good teammates, like Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres, Liverpool was not as consistently at the top as Barcelona or Real Madrid. Yet, Gerrard managed to lift the team in crucial moments, particularly in Europe, where he delivered some of his most memorable performances.
This difference, according to Slot, is what puts Gerrard in a unique category. It’s not just about talent; it is about how a player rises to the occasion when the odds are stacked against them. Gerrard’s leadership and never-say-die attitude made him one of the most inspiring figures in Liverpool’s history, which is why Slot ultimately chose him for his dream team.
For Liverpool fans, Slot’s decision to honour Gerrard in this way will likely be seen as a sign of respect for the club’s history. Gerrard is a beloved figure at Anfield, and seeing him included in a prestigious dream team of Champions League greats will only deepen the bond between the fans and their new manager.
Conclusion
As Arne Slot continues his journey as Liverpool’s manager, it is obvious that he values the club’s rich history and the players who made it great. His inclusion of Gerrard in his Champions League dream team is a pointer to that. He will hope his current players can take inspiration from the legendary captain. Liverpool’s next challenge is a baptism of fire as they host Maresca’s Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.
