The Jurgen Klopp era has officially ended and now it’s time for Liverpool fans to look to the future with Arne Slot.The Dutch strategist has made a deep impression since entering his coaching career just 5 years ago. He once led AZ Alkmaar to nearly reach the top of Eredivisie glory, before touching this title with Feyenoord in the 2022/23 season. For the above reasons, Liverpool’s board of directors decided to choose him as Jurgen Klopp’s successor. So with this 45-year-old coach, what will the Merseyside Red Brigade’s starting lineup look like next season?
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker
This is a no-brainer choice, because Alisson is not only one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but he has also been the team’s number 1 hero over the years.
Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold
Slot’s arrival could be enough to convince the England international to sign a new contract, as the Dutch coach’s tactical system always encourages full-backs to attack. In addition, the 4-2-3-1 formation he often uses also provides more protection for the defense, helping a star with a comprehensive skill set like Trent feel secure in playing.
Midfielder Ibrahima Konate
The ability to move the ball quickly from defense to midfield has always been key to Feyenoord’s way of operating, and it will certainly also be a guideline for Liverpool’s play next season. Konate has always been known as a passing defender, so he will definitely play an important role in Arne Slot’s tactical system.
Midfielder Virgil van Dijk
Will Van Dijk continue to stick with Liverpool next season?
Recently, Liverpool’s captain confirmed that he wants to work under Slot, and this is not a polite statement. Having Dutch nationality and already having the status of a top midfielder in the world, Van Dijk is expected to have another breakthrough in his career next season.
Left back Andrew Robertson
Like with Alexander-Arnold, Robertson’s desire to join the attack as often as possible will come into play under Slot. The Scottish player has always been considered one of the best left backs in the world for many years, and at the age of 30, he will have many more years of playing top football for Liverpool.
Central midfielder Alexis Mac Allister
The versatility of the 2018 World Cup champion will certainly attract the attention of Arne Slot, who always considers the team’s midfield axis to be the most important component to build tactics. Having both excellent passing ability and the ability to compete intelligently in front of the defense, Mac Allister will play the role of a deep-lying playmaker.
Central midfielder Teun Koopmeiners
Koopmeiners once worked with Slot at AZ Alkmaar.
Those who watch the two Europa League quarter-final matches between Atlanta and Liverpool will have to pay attention to Teun Koopmeiners – the boss of the Italian team’s midfield. More importantly, Liverpool is said to really like a player like him, and this Dutch international was also Slot’s student at AZ Alkmaar.
Right striker Mohamed Salah
Coincidentally, the Egyptian superstar is very suitable for Slot’s strategy. The 45-year-old strategist always wants his wingers to cut inside to score as much as possible, and that is something Salah is doing extremely well.
Guardian Dominik Szoboszlai
After a good start, the Hungarian international’s performance tended to decline in the second half of the past season, but that was not enough to scare Slot. As a creative player with delicate passes and good long-range shooting ability, Szoboszlai will be the ideal choice to play in the role of a “number 10”.
Left striker Darwin Nunez
After Klopp’s departure, the Uruguayan striker’s future with the Anfield team is truly uncertain. But if Nunez agrees to stay at Liverpool next season, he will be assigned the left wing striker position. This is the optimal choice for the striker being pursued by Barcelona, because he is not suitable for the role of striker.
Center forward Santiago Gimenez
If Liverpool wants a stable source of goals, Arne Slot will suggest Santiago Gimenez – his favorite student at Feyenoord, who has scored 26 goals this season. This is a very potential deal, but the Anfield team needs to be decisive because the Mexican international is being pursued by many big players.