Thursday, November 28, 2024, 16:48
Something exceptional is happening at Liverpool under Arne Slot. Since his arrival on the Anfield bench, the Dutch coach has managed not only to maintain Jürgen Klopp’s legacy, but also to take the Reds’ style of play to an even greater level of sophistication. With a meticulous tactical approach, he has elevated the high pressing, physical play and verticality that have characterized Liverpool, introducing greater precision and cohesion.
After achieving a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League that put an end to Liverpool’s fifteen years without defeating Chamartín’s team, a result that could have been greater had it not been for the outstanding performance of Courtois and the penalty missed by Salah, the Dutch coach has 19 games in England, of which he has won 17, tied one against Arsenal, and lost another, against Nottingham Forest. In the Champions League, Liverpool accumulates a full amount of points, while in the Premier League they lead with an advantage of eight points, before hosting second-placed Manchester City, but mired in a deep crisis, this Sunday at Anfield.
Slot’s Liverpool has transformed the way possession is handled. It’s not just about keeping the ball, but moving forward with clear purpose and impeccable precision. The team is the leader in progressive passes in the entire Premier League, an indicator of its focus on getting players as close as possible to the rival goal. This ability to progress, combined with exceptional fluidity in the inside lanes, has allowed Liverpool to better exploit their offensive resources, creating more opportunities and opening up spaces that were not previously exploited as efficiently.
Mohamed Salah’s evolution under Slot has been one of the highlights of the season. The coach has maximized the Egyptian’s ability to generate and finish plays, with twelve goals and ten assists so far, making him an even more lethal piece in the attack. Salah’s ability to get unmarked, receive the ball in dangerous areas and provide assists to his teammates has been fundamental in the team’s offensive improvement. Furthermore, his precision in crosses and passes into the box has added a new dimension to Liverpool’s game, making it even more unpredictable and dynamic.
Liverpool’s collective play has also improved considerably. Coordinated movements from the likes of Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo from the wingers, coupled with the second-row arrivals of Curtis Jones, have created multiple options for Salah. In attack, Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez have complemented each other perfectly with Salah, generating a lethal connection in quick transitions and in prolonged possessions.
The house brand transition
One of the most distinctive aspects of Slot’s Liverpool is the quick transition, a characteristic inherited from Klopp, which remains fundamental for the team. The ability to generate chances in the first fifteen seconds after regaining possession has been key in victories like the one against Manchester United, in which the Reds scored nine goals after quick recoveries.
In defense, the consolidation of Caoimhin Kelleher in goal and the step forward of youngsters like Conor Bradley have made Liverpool an almost insurmountable team. In 19 games, Liverpool have conceded only 12 goals, standing out especially in the Champions League, where they have dominated with ease, conceding a single goal in the first game against Milan, a match that the team later came from behind at the San Siro.
El ‘pase Slot’
The praise keeps coming for Liverpool. In England, former footballer Rio Ferdinand has not hesitated to describe the team as the fittest in Europe: «This Liverpool seems hungry, and Slot is sending them like Rottweilers in the hunt for teams. “If I had to bet on a team with the best chance of winning the Premier League and the Champions League this season, I would say it is Liverpool.” The BBC highlights the moment the club is experiencing, stating that “something special is brewing in Arne Slot’s extraordinary Liverpool.”
Slot has introduced innovative tactics such as the ‘Slot pass’, which involves slightly diverting a striker with his back to goal to split defenses and free a winger onto the ball. This strategy, combined with their constant forward philosophy, has given Liverpool a significant tactical advantage in both the Premier League and Europe.
