Arne Slot, the new head coach of Liverpool, is set to evaluate his options for the left-back position during pre-season. With the majority of the squad on holiday or on international duty, Slot’s first meetings with the players will take place in July. During this time, young and fringe players will make up the early squads, as key players participate in the Euros and World Cup qualifiers.
Two players who are expected to benefit from this opportunity are Luke Chambers, 19, and Owen Beck, 21. Both players have recently returned from loan spells with Wigan and Dundee respectively. Andy Jones from The Athletic reports that Slot is eager to assess the left-back options and Chambers and Beck are under consideration for the role.
The need to assess left-back options arises due to Andy Robertson’s involvement with Scotland and doubts surrounding Kostas Tsimikas’ long-term role. Tsimikas missed out on the Greece squad due to injury, which raises questions about his future role in the team. Slot’s arrival marks a fresh start for every player, giving Chambers and Beck a chance to compete for a permanent spot in the first-team squad.
Chambers had a taste of senior action in the first half of the previous season when he made four appearances under Jurgen Klopp, including starts against Toulouse and Union SG. He then moved to Wigan in January, where he played a key role in League One, featuring as both a left-back and centre-back in 18 appearances.
Beck, on the other hand, had a brief return to Liverpool in January after his loan spell at Dundee. He covered for an injury crisis and even made a cameo appearance off the bench against Bournemouth in the Premier League. Overall, he featured 28 times for Dundee, impressing as a left wing-back with two goals and four assists.
Both Chambers and Beck have proven themselves capable at the senior level, making them strong contenders for a first-team role under Slot. Chambers, in particular, has youth on his side as he will only turn 20 later this month. Additionally, he brings versatility to the team with his experience playing as a centre-back. On the other hand, Beck is more established at this stage of his career. This summer will be crucial in determining whether he remains at Anfield or moves to another club. In fact, during the January transfer window, both Celtic and Rangers expressed interest in signing him permanently.
This suggests that if Slot does not have immediate plans for Beck, there will be no shortage of offers for the talented left-back. As pre-season kicks off, all eyes will be on Slot as he evaluates his left-back options and decides who will play a crucial role in Liverpool’s new era.