We’re solely three video games into the season, however having been pressured to pause for the primary worldwide break, that at the very least has given us probability to evaluate Arne Slot‘s begin.
Liverpool have three victories and three clear sheets – the optimistic begin the membership and supporters craved beneath new administration.
Slot has already made his type of play clear, and maybe that’s the largest praise you may pay the Dutchman, who has taken the function in his stride.
We can not leap to too many conclusions so early into the season, however we have now nonetheless discovered rather a lot from how the Reds have began 2024/25.
Gravenberch is taking many abruptly
On the finish of final season, only a few would have anticipated to see Ryan Gravenberch turn into the first-choice No. 6 – and but he has taken to it strongly so far.
In fact, had Martin Zubimendi arrived we’d be having a distinct dialogue, however the Dutchman has been a revelation beneath Slot to this point, thriving with the arrogance his head coach has in him.
The 22-year-old, as per FotMob, is Liverpool’s fourth-highest-rated participant after three matches (7.7), behind solely Mo Salah (8.55), Luis Diaz (8.36) and Alisson (7.89).
He could have harder duties forward of him, however he’s proven he’s able to receiving and disposing the ball beneath strain and extinguishing the opposition’s assaults.
There may be an elevated stage of focus and utility in Gravenberch’s recreation, let’s hope he follows the identical trajectory when he returns.
Slot making his authority recognized
When Trent Alexander-Arnold sulked his method off the pitch in opposition to Brentford it had the hallmarks of endless headlines while you additionally take his contract scenario into consideration.
However Slot shortly defined that he’s defending his vice-captain as he needs him accessible for the total season, not simply video games at a time.
And when he once more subbed his No. 66 at Outdated Trafford, you took your hat off to him because it was a reminder of who’s in management and that any outward response is not going to change his thoughts.
Alexander-Arnold walked off with a smile on his face on that event with the bitter rivals put of their place, however the second mentioned extra of Slot than it did the right-back.
Slot hasn’t checked out all fazed moving into his function.
Salah needs to be handed a brand new contract
Liverpool have scored seven objectives to this point and Mohamed Salah has had a hand in six of them with three objectives and three assists.
If there was any thought he would decelerate as he nears 32 years previous, one can be severely mistaken, and it makes a scarcity of contract talks all of the extra bewildering.
Sure, we all know all about FSG’s coverage concerning gamers over 30, but when there was to be an exception to the rule it could be Salah – Virgil van Dijk, too.
The Egyptian used his alternative in entrance of the cameras after the United win to place strain on the membership to behave, and we are able to solely hope they have been listening.
You may’t let a participant of his ilk stroll away totally free.
You must be profitable your duels
For those who’ve been tuning into Slot’s pre and post-match press conferences, you’ll have heard him say the phrase “duel” numerous instances.
“It’s about profitable your duels and profitable the second balls,” Slot careworn after the win at Ipswich, which noticed him sub out Jarell Quansah seeking extra duel success with Ibrahima Konate.
For the top coach, these are the small margins that resolve video games, and it’s why he has careworn their significance – we’ve even seen the bodily contest work they do on the coaching pitch to help this side of the sport.
Mockingly, Liverpool misplaced the duel depend in opposition to Ipswich and Man United, but it surely goes to point out his excessive expectations for the squad.
We’re seeing extra tactical flexibility
If there was to be a criticism of Jurgen Klopp, it could be that usually ‘Plan A was Plan A’. With Slot, nonetheless, we have now already seen his tactical flexibility.
The journey to Outdated Trafford was a major instance of that.
He shifted Dominik Szoboszlai to the left and dropped Alexis Mac Allister barely additional again than Ryan Gravenberch to use United, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold caught to his touchline.
The Dutchman had recognized how they constructed up from the again and made positive his group was set as much as take benefit – which they did with nice success.
It’s these tweaks that strengthen Liverpool’s hand and can hold the opposition guessing, even when personnel have been to not change week on week.
Defensive solidity meets attacking prowess
Liverpool stay the one group but to concede within the Premier League, and their xG conceded is the third-best within the division (2.4) behind solely Man Metropolis (2) and Nottingham Forest (2.1).
Alisson has nonetheless made his justifiable share of saves, however the Reds are defensively sound and it has eased the center palpitations considerably – of which we are able to all be glad.
As per FotMob, Slot’s facet are joint-first for xG alongside Metropolis (7.1) and have created probably the most large probabilities (16) – although they’ve missed 9 of them.
This steadiness throughout the defence and assault has made for a easy begin, and we are able to solely hope it continues as soon as the video games begin piling up!
