We’re solely three video games into the season, however having been compelled to pause for the primary worldwide break, that a minimum of has given us likelihood to evaluate Arne Slot‘s begin.
Liverpool have three victories and three clear sheets – the optimistic begin the membership and supporters craved underneath new administration.
Slot has already made his fashion of play clear, and maybe that’s the greatest praise you may pay the Dutchman, who has taken the position in his stride.
We can’t bounce to too many conclusions so early into the season, however now we have nonetheless realized rather a lot from how the Reds have began 2024/25.
Gravenberch is taking many without warning
On the finish of final season, only a few would have anticipated to see Ryan Gravenberch turn out to be the first-choice No. 6 – and but he has taken to it strongly up to now.
After all, had Martin Zubimendi arrived we might be having a special dialogue, however the Dutchman has been a revelation underneath Slot up to now, 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 may have harder duties forward of him, however he’s proven he’s able to receiving and disposing the ball underneath stress and extinguishing the opposition’s assaults.
There’s an elevated stage of focus and software 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 manner off the pitch towards Brentford it had the hallmarks of endless headlines while you additionally take his contract state of affairs into consideration.
However Slot shortly defined that he’s defending his vice-captain as he needs him out there for the complete 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And when he once more subbed his No. 66 at Outdated Trafford, you took your hat off to him because it was a reminder of who’s in management and that any outward response won’t change his thoughts.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 getting into his position.
Salah must be handed a brand new contract
Liverpool have scored seven targets to date and Mohamed Salah has had a hand in six of them with three targets and three assists.
If there was any thought he would decelerate as he nears 32 years outdated, 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 relating to gamers over 30, but when there was to be an exception to the rule it might be Salah – Virgil van Dijk, too.
The Egyptian used his alternative in entrance of the cameras after the United win to place stress on the membership to behave, and we are able to solely hope they had been listening.
You possibly can’t let a participant of his ilk stroll away totally free.
It’s a must to be successful your duels
Should you’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 successful your duels and successful the second balls,” Slot pressured after the win at Ipswich, which noticed him sub out Jarell Quansah searching for 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 pressured their significance – we’ve even seen the bodily contest work they do on the coaching pitch to assist this side of the sport.
Mockingly, Liverpool misplaced the duel rely towards Ipswich and Man United, but it surely goes to indicate his excessive expectations for the squad.
We’re seeing extra tactical flexibility
If there was to be a criticism of Jurgen Klopp, it might be that always ‘Plan A was Plan A’. With Slot, nonetheless, now we have 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 take advantage of United, whereas Trent Alexander-Arnold caught to his touchline.
The Dutchman had recognized how they constructed up from the again and made positive his staff 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 had been to not change week on week.
Defensive solidity meets attacking prowess
Liverpool stay the one staff 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 fair proportion of saves, however the Reds are defensively sound and it has eased the guts 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 clean begin, and we are able to solely hope it continues as soon as the video games begin piling up!
