Liverpool Predicted Starting XI as Arne Slot Formation Stance Emerged
Arne Slot’s era at Liverpool is about to start, following Jurgen Klopp’s eight-and-a-half-year period with the club. Slot is anticipated to use a formation similar to Klopp’s at Anfield.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot disclosed that the 4-3-3 formation was his primary choice, raising questions about his starting XI for the upcoming season.
Slot takes over a squad at Anfield that is well-versed in the 4-3-3 system with two number-eights, a hallmark of Jurgen Klopp’s successful tenure. Slot dismissed claims that he relied on a double pivot in midfield at Feyenoord, emphasizing that his approach is more versatile.
In his first press conference, Slot was surprised by the perception that his previous work was associated with a 4-2-3-1 formation. He clarified that if he had to choose a specific setup, it would be the 4-3-3.
“I was hoping if people looked at my Feyenoord team, it wasn’t 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3,” Slot told reporters. “It’s a lot of freedom to take different positions, a lot of freedom when we have the ball, sometimes 4-1-4-1. I wouldn’t put myself in a position where I say I prefer a formation.
“If you asked me, I’d say we played 4-3-3 at Feyenoord. When we don’t have the ball, we want to be really aggressive.”
He added: “I like to see good players and if they are all young, it doesn’t matter much. It’s nice to see younger players come through. It always gives energy to a club, players from the academy, but it is all about quality. If they continue doing well there is a fair chance they will play again.”
Excluding any new signings, Liverpool fans could anticipate the following starting XI for the 2024/25 season: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai; Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz.
This Liverpool lineup still offers various bench options. Diogo Jota, a fan favorite for his impactful play and boundless energy, will undoubtedly excite Slot. Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, and the versatile Harvey Elliott are also valuable midfield alternatives.
Jarell Quansah made a promising debut, but the defense seems established. Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are star players on the wings, while Van Dijk has returned to top form alongside Konate in central defense.
Midfield and attack are more debatable due to the bench talent, especially at left wing, with names like Anthony Gordon and Nico Williams linked to moves.
Mac Allister and Szoboszlai are likely starters in midfield after strong debut seasons, with Endo providing stability.
Liverpool will face Real Betis, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Sevilla in preseason before opening their Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Slot has ample time to determine his best XI before the season begins.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Star Admits His Impressive End-of-season Form With the Club Gave Him the Perfect Boost Ahead of Euro 2024
