Fabio Carvalho, the talented young midfielder, is set to return to Liverpool for pre-season this summer, eager to impress new head coach Arne Slot. Carvalho had a challenging season, spending time on loan at RB Leipzig and Hull before settling at the latter. During his loan spell at Hull, Carvalho showcased his abilities with nine goals and two assists in 20 appearances. Now, he has his sights set on making an impact at Liverpool.
Carvalho’s previous experience under Jurgen Klopp’s management suggested that the former Liverpool manager had lost faith in him. However, with the arrival of Arne Slot, Carvalho has a fresh opportunity to prove himself. Slot’s former club, Feyenoord, had expressed interest in signing Carvalho while he was still in charge. This indicates that Slot values Carvalho’s talent and sees potential in him.
While it is unclear whether Feyenoord’s interest in Carvalho was during his time at Fulham or while Liverpool were considering sending him on loan, the fact that Slot showed interest in him is significant. Slot may have been consulted on potential signings during his time at Feyenoord, suggesting that he could envision a place for Carvalho in his team.
Slot’s preferred formation, a 4-2-3-1, differs from Klopp’s 4-3-3 and relies heavily on a No. 10 role. Carvalho, in his loan spell at Leipzig, expressed frustration with the lack of a specialist No. 10 in Klopp’s system. He believes that playing as a No. 10 allows him to showcase his skills and play to his strengths.
In an interview with the Liverpool Echo, Carvalho reiterated his preference for playing as a No. 10: “I prefer playing as a 10. Playing out wide, I can do a job there but it’s not my natural position. I’m not like Lucho Diaz. I can play there but I’m more of a No. 10. That’s where I like playing, that’s where I enjoy playing.”
Carvalho’s return to Liverpool for pre-season training provides an excellent opportunity for him to catch Slot’s eye and prove his worth. With Slot’s appreciation for Carvalho’s abilities and his inclination towards a formation that suits Carvalho’s preferred position, the young midfielder has a real chance to make an impact at Liverpool. Fans and spectators eagerly await his performance in the upcoming season and hope to witness his growth as a key player for the team.