Liverpool‘s golden era under Jurgen Klopp has come to an end after the German managed his final game in charge of the Reds, ending his nine-year spell with the Merseyside club.
Ajax manager Arne Slot has been tasked with the job of replacing the German tactician at Anfield this summer. The Dutchman confirmed last week he will leave Feyenoord after three seasons in charge with De Kuip. Replacing Klopp, who has won every major European and domestic honours with Liverpool, would surely not be an easy task.
Slot has mostly used the 4-2-3-1 formation in the Dutch league and focuses mainly on a high-pressing and high-intensity style. Using a similar formation, let’s see how the Dutch manager could set up at Liverpool.
Liverpool lineup under Arne Slot
| Position | Player |
| GK | Alisson Becker |
| RB | Trent Alexander-Arnold |
| CB | Virgil van Dijk |
| CB | Ibrahima Konate |
| LB | Andy Robertson |
| CM | Alexis Mac Allister |
| CM | Alan Varela |
| AM | Dominik Szoboszlai |
| RW | Mohamed Salah |
| ST | Santiago Gimenez |
| LW | Luis Diaz |
Goalkeeper
Without a doubt, Alisson would be the main man in between the sticks who has been consistently one of the best-performing goalkeepers in the Premier League. The only dilemma would be about the backup goalkeeper, with Caoimhin Kelleher expected to make a move this summer.
Defence
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk have formed one of the most robust partnerships in the heart of defence. Slot will be relying on the latter’s experience to ensure a smooth transition into his stewardship. The Dutchman confirmed his desire to work under Slot and will expect to sign a contract extension this summer.
The board would also be keen to tie Trent Alexander-Arnold to fresh terms as he will enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer. Just like Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson’s desire to go forward will work well under Arne Slot. Replacing both full-backs could be a ridiculous call.
Midfield
If Slot prefers to use a double pivot, he could pair Alexis Mac Allister with Watauro Endo, but the Dutchman would prefer to go along with someone else alongside Mac Allister. Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move for 22-year-old Alan Varela, who has been likened to former Anfield star Javier Mascherano.
Dominik Szboszlai predominantly played in a central midfield position in his maiden Premier League season and has slowed down a little as the year has progressed, but he could be a perfect fit in the attacking midfield role.
Forward
If Slot uses a 4-2-3-1 formation, it would easily suit the likes of Luis Diaz and Mo Salah, who will be delighted with the arrival of the Dutch manager. Salah will be entering the final year of his Liverpool contract and rumours of a summer departure have been doing the rounds for a while.
A lack of a reliable finisher at the central point of Liverpool’s attack was a major factor in their failure to challenge the title this season. Slot would not hesitate to axe Darwin Nunez and make a move for Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez, who is touted to make a move to the Premier League this summer.
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