The ECHO’s Liverpool writers look at what the main takeaways might be for Arne Slot as he nears the end of his first season in England – one that is likely to end with the Premier League title
Liverpool are now just six points away from being confirmed as Premier League champions after Sunday’s 2-1 win over West Ham United. The Reds might officially clinch a record-equalling 20th championship on Easter Sunday if they beat Leicester City at the King Power Stadium and Arsenal lose at Ipswich Town earlier in the afternoon.
With the club on the cusp of a historic campaign, Arne Slot stands on the brink of a remarkable achievement that will almost immediately catapult him into the pantheon of managerial greats on Merseyside.
But less than a third into a three-year contract he signed to succeed Jurgen Klopp, Slot will be planning for the long haul and what comes next at Anfield. Here, the ECHO takes a closer look at what might be the main takeaways from the Reds boss as he nears the conclusion of his first term in English football.
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Paul Gorst
The idea that Arne Slot might have learned to rotate more for next season has been a prevalent one in recent weeks.
And given the over reliance on Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, in particular – who both find themselves in the top four for minutes played alongside Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah – that is a point with plenty of merit.
But given Wataru Endo’s role at Liverpool has seemingly been reduced to that of midfield firefighter, who is introduced late on to keep game states exactly as they are, and the fact that Harvey Elliott has made just 12 appearances – all as a substitute – this Premier League term, it’s clear Slot feels he might need alternatives before he rests more.
So rather than simply making further use of the squad he inherited, it stands to reason that Slot might want to add to his ranks with his own players first before the rotation becomes more commonplace. That might seem particularly harsh on Elliott, whose invention and creativity has been shown in flashes when he has been given the nod, but Slot undoubtedly has those who he trusts more than others.
That, then, means surgery via the transfer market. Martin Zubimendi was, of course, a transfer target back in the summer before the Real Sociedad star opted to remain with his boyhood club. Might another midfield operative be part of the thinking for the summer months then?
Slot will only be emboldened to chop and change more when he increases his options in the middle of the park.
Ian Doyle
Greater rotation seems the most obvious takeaway for Arne Slot this season. After all, the Premier League is far, far more intense and demanding than the Eredivisie back in his native Holland.
More players that he trusts, then, are required. But there’s one position that needs closer attention than any other – that of centre-forward.
Perhaps Diogo Jota hasn’t had the chance to prove he can work in Slot’s system due to injuries this season. But that in itself is an issue. A player can be top class but if he isn’t available then he may as well be as good at football as, well, everyone contributing to this article.
The lack of minutes for Darwin Nunez in big games since the turn of the year suggests the Uruguayan isn’t the answer. So Slot’s main education will have been over the potency of those operating down the centre of the attack.
Jurgen Klopp transformed Roberto Firmino into an unexpected treasure as the focal point of his forward line. Given the dearth of top-class traditional number nines, the Reds may have to become creative once again.
Keifer MacDonald
Only the most pessimistic supporters would be willing to look for rare faults in Arne Slot’s historic debut season at Liverpool.
Since succeeding Jurgen Klopp last summer, the Dutchman has guided Liverpool to the top of the Premier League and is on course to become just the fifth manager to win the trophy in his debut season.
But even with champagne sitting on ice at Anfield, Reds supporters would be willing to admit that Slot’s side have the potential to go one step better next season and perhaps spread their success over various competitions.
If that is to be the case, then Slot will be able to learn a few lessons when the dust settles on a historic campaign at the end of next month.
The most important takeaway for Slot perhaps will be the ruthlessness of the English football calendar and how best to combat it.
Sunday’s 2-1 victory over West Ham United was his 50th game in charge of the Reds, with 36 of those games ending in victory for his side.
However, there is an argument that if the Dutchman had rotated his squad more frequently throughout the winter months – chiefly Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Mohamed Salah, who have featured in every single Premier League – then Liverpool may have avoided a slight blip in results in March and April.
It is likely that they would have been less lethargic in clashes against Paris Saint-Germain and in the Carabao Cup final defeat. Of course, it is worth noting that Slot’s willingness to rotate is likely to be enriched this summer when he is able to put his own stamp on the team by signing several players