Arne Slot makes statement with near perfect Liverpool pre-season

Liverpool closed the curtain on a stunning pre-season under new coach Arne Slot with a 4-1 win over La Liga side Sevilla on Sunday at Anfield.

Fans will head into the 2024/25 season with both confidence and excitement after watching the Reds triumph in their pre-season friendlies - including wins over Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Betis. A behind closed doors loss to Preston in mid-July made headlines but is of little consequence.

Their final win, over Sevilla, saw Diogo Jota open the scoreline, before Luis Diaz fired two more into the back of the net. A consolation goal came from Gerard Fernandez just after the hour mark before 17-year-old Trey Nyoni made it four for Liverpool.

The side's success ahead of the upcoming campaign will come as welcome news to head coach Slot - who took over from legendary Reds boss Jurgen Klopp at the end of last season.

Against Sevilla, Slot's tactics really got the chance to shine - with the Merseyside club dominating possession and dictating the tempo. Fast, brave, end-to-end football, despite just one month of pre-season friendlies, Slot has got the team playing exactly how he wants.

Liverpool may be one of the most feared teams in the Premier League this season - if they can maintain the skills they have shown throughout the summer. The Dutchman's technique of intricate passing up the pitch has created a natural harmony amongst the squad, while enabling certain players to stand out.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one name who may creep into many conversations this season. The England star thrives in Slot's system, playing 73 minutes against Sevilla and creating numerous changes. Alexander-Arnold's role has finally been cracked, allowing him to play at right-back and not invert into the midfield gives him the confidence to take on challenges and fire long balls down the pitch - the kind of player that Slot wants.

With Slot at the helm, the Liverpool midfield is tasked with playing attacking football. Gone are the days that players can sit back and defend - now the team fire on all cylinders.

The star of the show on Sunday was undoubtedly Liverpool youngster Nyoni, who scored his first senior goal by firing a beautiful shot towards The Kop end. The 17-year-old's future is blindingly bright - and under Slot he will have the ability to prosper and develop.

Liverpool will play a final pre-season game, behind closed doors against Las Palmas, on Sunday afternoon. While most of the Reds' first team faced Sevilla, Slot will still select a team to play the afternoon fixture in order to ensure all squad members have been given time on the pitch.

They will kick off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign on Saturday when they travel to newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

READ THE LATEST LIVERPOOL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP