Pre-season is a time for studying, not only for the gamers, but in addition us supporters, particularly when it’s a brand new man in cost.
Two friendlies in a single afternoon at Anfield on Sunday actually offered us with loads of attention-grabbing perception from Arne Slot, with a ‘issues discovered’ article for as soon as truly being related!
Right here aren’t 5, not 10, however 20 issues we ‘discovered’ on Sunday…
- 1. Slot sees Alexander-Arnold for granted again
“I do have my opinion about the place they’ll play,” stated Slot final month (about Trent and Gakpo) and now we all know. Trent’s place was very a lot a right-back, much less inverted too.
- 2. Diogo Jota is the perfect ahead for Slot – Nunez isn’t (but)
Jota’s very good volleyed purpose, plus an help and all spherical wonderful centre-forward play, displayed why he appears the perfect ahead for Slot’s facet; in a position to maintain the ball up and make the up-back-and-through mixtures attainable.
- 3. Luis Diaz might prosper with Slot’s use of wingers
Wingers are used barely in another way beneath the brand new head coach and Diaz actually appeared to take pleasure in it, scoring twice and searching extra just like the Diaz we initially signed; direct and highly effective.
- 4. Quansah clearly first selection alongside Van Dijk
Quansah has had a full pre-season, whereas Konate solely returned final week. The teenager is clearly first-choice, at the very least for now.
- 5. Gravenberch the No. 6 till a signing is made
Slot stated he was pleased with Ryan Gravenberch‘s efficiency because the No. 6 within the pleasant towards Man United and he continued within the position vs. Sevilla. It might nicely be his position beneath the brand new coach.
Simply don’t inform Slot he performs a 4-2-3-1… pic.twitter.com/a5XlZvPx4w
— Jack Lusby (@LusbyJack) August 11, 2024
- 6. The midfield is extra a ‘double pivot’ than a holding midfielder
Talking of which, it’s clearly extra of two gamers alongside one another in midfield – Gravenberch and Mac Allister vs. Sevilla – with a extra superior No. 10 (Szoboszlai). You would possibly even say it’s 4-2-3-1…!
The lineup vs. Sevilla is nearly actually the one that may begin vs. Ipswich on Saturday, barring any accidents: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
An unused sub vs. Las Palmas, Slot claimed post-match that Van den Berg was not used as a consequence of managing taking part in time – however that appears extremely unlikely and it’s way more probably he’s heading for the exit this week.
- 9. We don’t miss Covid soccer
Watching Liverpool in an empty Anfield. With Nat Phillips sporting a scarf at centre-back. A throwback we didn’t want, thanks.
- 10. Slot is setting excessive requirements
The boss stated there have been “a whole lot of good issues… however I could make a giant listing of issues now we have to enhance!”
He solely turned 17 this summer time and Slot clearly charges him, bringing {the teenager} on for Diaz and taking part in on the left of the entrance three – scoring his first senior purpose very impressively.
- 12. Affected person soccer will take some getting used to
The affected person buildup play was actually a distinction from Klopp’s extra direct model. It might take some getting used to – for some gamers and followers alike.
McConnell wasn’t concerned regardless of 31 gamers getting used. A mortgage or everlasting deal appears inevitable. Related may very well be stated for Gordon, who was on the bench however didn’t function vs. Las Palmas as he nears a brief swap to Swansea.
- 14. The urgent continues to be very important
“Press Harvey, press,” the shout from the sidelines vs. Las Palmas as Slot acquired his message throughout ceaselessly.
‘Press, Harvey. Press!’
Arne Slot is absolutely encouraging Liverpool to win it again rapidly once they lose the ball excessive up the pitch. pic.twitter.com/aCe38RFuIY
— Sam Millne (@sam_millne) August 11, 2024
- 15. The lengthy ball may not be the suitable ball
Slot actually isn’t a fan of lengthy passes – there will likely be far fewer this season. Within the second recreation he visibly sighed when Kelleher despatched an extended ball ahead after being urged to play out from the again.
- 16. Underlapping runs from full-backs will likely be a function
Below Slot, the full-backs play nearer to the centre-backs – within the so-called ‘half areas’ – and so underlapping runs within the wingers will likely be a function you’ll see loads this season.
- 17. An ‘up again and thru’ is a sample you’ll see
The third purpose vs. Sevilla is an ideal instance of this mixture. Alisson performs the ball up the pitch; Salah holds it up and performs it again; Jota passes it ahead for Szoboszlai to run onto.
- 18. Sq. passes for tap-ins
We see Man Metropolis do that masses and it was one thing we noticed Slot engaged on in pre-season coaching. A large participant squaring the ball for a tap-in in entrance of purpose.
It’s fairly obvious that Slot doesn’t see Endo as the kind of midfielder he wants. If he stays, it is going to be as a squad participant.
- 20. Martin Zubimendi would look good in a Slot midfield
You thought we’d get by means of this with out mentioning him? Behave! However actually, he’d be good in that No. 6 position, principally alongside Mac Allister.
