Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States under new manager Arne Slot has come to a successful end, with the team winning all three of their games. However, the tour didn’t provide much insight into Slot’s style off the field, as he opted to keep a low profile and focus on the football. Despite this, the players seem to be enjoying the challenge of learning a new style of play, and their three consecutive wins bode well for the upcoming season.
One of the key talking points from the tour is how Slot will use Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley. Bradley, who emerged midway through last season, impressed in pre-season while Alexander-Arnold was on a break after the Euros. It remains to be seen whether Alexander-Arnold will return as the first-choice right-back or be used in a more advanced role. Additionally, Alexander-Arnold’s contract renewal is a pressing issue, with rumors linking him to Real Madrid.
Despite not making any summer signings, Liverpool has undergone major changes off the pitch. The addition of four sporting directors, including the return of Michael Edwards, aims to “reboot and reset” the club. However, the lack of transfer activity has left some fans frustrated. The club is being careful not to disrupt the successful team built by Klopp, and they believe that there are only a few players in world football who could improve the squad. Missing out on young talent like Leny Yoro to rivals Manchester United could potentially force Liverpool into the market.
Slot’s style of play has been described as “elegant” and typically Dutch. The possession-heavy approach, featuring shorter passes and positional interchange, has been well-received by players like Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones. The team will still press but with less intensity, and they hope that this patient build-up approach will lead to fewer injuries and less fatigue. It remains to be seen how Liverpool will adapt to this significant change in style, but the players seem up for the challenge.
The lack of summer signings is good news for Liverpool’s improving academy structure. Young players like Trey Nyoni have impressed in pre-season, and Slot has shown interest in their development. However, players like Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg may still be sold despite their impressive performances.
One concern for Slot is not having the full squad at his disposal during the tour. Several key players, including Mohamed Salah, have been given extra time off after their international commitments. Slot will need the likes of Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold to return and be key contributors to the team’s success. There are also contract situations that need to be addressed, particularly with Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, as well as uncertainty surrounding the future of Luis Diaz.
Overall, Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States has provided some promising signs for the upcoming season. While there are still questions to be answered, such as how Slot’s style will adapt and the resolution of contract situations, the team’s performances and the emergence of young talent offer hope for another successful campaign.