Liverpool have made a recording-breaking start to the Premier League season under new boss Arne Slot as the Reds have emerged as serious challengers to Manchester City’s dominance in the top flight.
The Dutchman took over from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp over the summer and has become the first Liverpool manger to win nine of his opening ten games in charge.
Slot has quickly implemented his more composed and controlled possession-based football, as opposed to Klopp’s more aggressive and high pressing ‘rock n roll’ football that saw the Reds win the Champions league and their first title in over 30 years.
During his short but impressive tenure thus far, Liverpool’s game has been deeply rooted in a methodical and patient approach to possession-based football in Slot’s own interpretation of ‘total football’.
Slot’s side have been able to establish complete control in every game under his tenure-ship through technical and tactical superiority.
Unlike his predecessor, Slot’s team no longer relies on sheer physical ability that saw great success for Klopp, instead Liverpool now prioritises technical ability and finesse.
Slot has deployed a fluid 4-2-4 formation to break down the opposition press and has seen huge success for Liverpool’s attackers as finding space in the final third has become an easy task for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.
In this new system, Liverpool’s midfield, which at times towards the end of Klopp’s reign was a vulnerability, has been transformed with no investment. Slot has made Liverpool difficult to counter against as Dutch compatriot Ryan Gravenberch has been reborn under Slot.
The change in shape has also seen a resurgence in form for hometown hero Trent Alexander-Arnold as Slot has given him the freedom of the pitch to do what he does best.
The former Feyenoord boss has Liverpool sat top of the table after seven games following a 1-0 victory away from home against Crystal Palace on Saturday. His team has also claimed maximum points in the new league phase of the Champions League and have advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool’s new manager’s methodology has given Liverpool the platform for on the field dominance that could be the beginning of another historic era at Anfield.
Featured image (c) Tembela Bohle/Pexels
