How Liverpool could line up under Arne Slot
- Liverpool struck a deal with Feyenoord to make Slot their next manager
- Jurgen Klopp has endorsed the Dutchman ahead of his move to Anfield.
- How the Reds could line up under Slot next season
By Tom Gott
Liverpool have made their minds up. Feyenoord's Arne Slot will replace Jurgen Klopp as manager next season.
The Dutchman has made a serious impression since his arrival to the world of management just five years ago, leading AZ Alkmaar to the brink of Eredivisie glory before getting his hands on the trophy with his current side last season.
Slot's appointment was confirmed this week, so here's how he could set up the team at Liverpool.
GK: Alisson
Questions should be asked of any potential manager who doesn't want Alisson as their starting goalkeeper.
The only debate in this spot will revolve around who operates as backup to the Brazilian, with Caoimhin Kelleher tipped to head off in search of first-team football this summer.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Slot's arrival would likely be enough to convince Trent Alexander-Arnold to sign a new contract as the Dutchman's tactical setup encourages his full-backs to be as active in attack as possible.
Furthermore, the specific 4-2-3-1 setup Slot utilises offers plenty of cover for his marauding full-backs, which could be perfect for someone of Alexander-Arnold's skill set.
CB: Ibrahima Konate
Quick passing from defence into midfield is key to Slot's teams, so someone like Ibrahima Konate should have no issues fitting in.
The Frenchman's only real concern is his patchy injury history, which could cost him a spot in the team if Liverpool choose to act on their interest in signing a new centre-back this summer.
CB: Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has already made it clear he'd be keen to work under Slot, and you can bet the feeling is mutual.
At Feyenoord, Slot turned left-sided centre-back David Hancko from a relative unknown into a superstar. Just imagine what he could do with a player who already sits at the top of the mountain.
LB: Andy Robertson
As with Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson's desire to get forward as often as possible will work well under Slot.
The Scot isn't the long-term option for this position - he turned 30 in March - but there's no doubting Robertson is good enough to lead Liverpool for at least a few more years.
DM: Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister's versatility will seriously appeal to Slot, who sees his midfield pivot as one of the most important parts of his team.
Just as happy passing the ball as he is tackling to win it back, Mac Allister would be asked to do both jobs in Slot's 4-2-3-1, sitting deep as cover for his marauding full-backs while also spraying passes out towards them.
DM: Teun Koopmeiners
It feels like the stars are aligning with this one. Teun Koopmeiners, who has been linked with Liverpool for the last few months, has admitted he wants to leave Atalanta this summer and would be keen on a move to England.
Why is that significant? Well, it was under Slot at AZ Alkmaar that Koopmeiners turned into a force to be reckoned with. They know each other incredibly well already and would likely jump at the chance to reunite on Merseyside.
RM: Mohamed Salah
Coincidentally, Mohamed Salah is a natural fit for Slot's team. The boss likes his wingers to be stronger on their inside foot and he'll be delighted when he realises he doesn't have to change anything with Salah.
Slot wants his wingers to cut inside and get in the box, and even asks one of his forward line to turn into a makeshift striker when the team are defending. That could work perfectly for Salah.
AM: Dominik Szoboszlai
After a hot start to life at Anfield, Dominik Szoboszlai's stock took a bit of nosedive in the second half of the season, but that shouldn't be enough to scare Slot away.
A competent passer with a love for a long-range screamer, Szoboszlai could be an ideal fit for this attacking midfield role, although don't be surprised if links to Feyenoord's Calvin Stengs start to emerge in the coming weeks.
LM: Darwin Nunez
Following the recent revelation that Klopp was the man behind Liverpool's interest in Darwin Nunez, the Uruguay international finds himself facing an uncertain future after this season.
Nunez may not be cut out for life as a top-level striker, but Slot could offer him a chance out wide. A natural right-footer, he fits into Slot's inside-out vision just like Salah.
ST: Santiago Gimenez
If Liverpool want a new source of goals up front, Slot will not hesitate to suggest a move for Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez, who has scored goals for fun over the past 12 months.
A number of elite sides have looked at Gimenez as a possible target this summer, but the Mexico international would almost certainly favour a reunion with Slot at Anfield if the opportunity arose.
READ THE LATEST LIVERPOOL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
feed