Arne Slot is poised to take over in the summertime, and together with his managerial profession restricted to the Netherlands thus far, we are able to by no means delve into what he’ll provide an excessive amount of.
The 45-year-old has not formally been confirmed as Liverpool’s subsequent supervisor, or fairly head coach, however the deal is pretty much as good as accomplished to see him take over from Jurgen Klopp in the summertime.
The present Feyenoord supervisor has simply three league video games left and is aware of a second-placed end is confirmed, with PSV setting an unassailable lead on the high.
What he’ll carry to Anfield stays the massive speaking level, and FourFourTwo (video above) have had an intensive have a look at his model of play and the way he would slot in at Liverpool.
Comparisons
Typically it’s simpler to attract comparisons to these we all know extra about and Slot was likened to a wide selection of Premier League managers:
Off the ball: Jurgen Klopp
In possession: Pep Guardiola/Roberto De Zerbi
Defending: Mikel Arteta
Character: Ange Postecoglou
Fast motion
Slot predominantly makes use of a 4-2-3-1 system, however has additionally shifted to a 4-3-3 when required, and this, along with different set-up and personnel selections imply Feyenoord have been “very adaptable with their strategy.”
A key element of Slot’s ethos is that “they need you to return onto them to allow them to get by you as fast as doable,” however that hardly ever entails a protracted ball. In 2023/24 thus far, they’ve the fewest lengthy passes within the Eredivisie.
They fastidiously decide their moments to win the ball again, sometimes focusing on a perceived weak hyperlink – they’ve 11 objectives from turnovers this season, which is probably the most within the league.
There is no such thing as a ‘set method’
FourFourTwo’s Adam Clery sums up Slot’s model of play fairly effectively, saying: “There’s a cause you might have by no means heard of ‘Slotball’.
“It’s not simply because it sounds extremely soiled, it’s as a result of there’s not one clear, outlined sample of play that Arne Slot has.”
The Dutchman doesn’t have a “set method” to get at groups as he has utilised inverted full-backs however has additionally used them to supply width, and he’s had success with by balls to assault the area and crosses into the field.
“There’s parts of Liverpool’s outdated high-pressing model, however there’s additionally parts of that good Arsenal 4-4-2 block that exists, additionally they play a bit bit like De Zerbi popping out from the again.
“He’s assembled all the very best bits of current tactical innovation as a result of that’s what’s going to be efficient for this Feyenoord aspect,” Clery added.
Hyperlinks to ball-playing centre-backs? Don’t be shocked
There’s a vital onus on the centre-backs beneath Slot to be comfy in possession and beneath stress, which is the place Clery recognized Ibrahima Konate as somebody who might battle.
He defined: “As a centre-back doing ‘slot ball’ you must be supremely comfy receiving the ball on the half-turn, beneath stress and taking part in ahead beneath duress.
“Konate is an excellent defender, however that’s not essentially the place his actual ability set is.
“You’ll think about in the event that they have been going to spend any huge bucks when Slot is available in, it could be on one other ball-playing centre-back.”
The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez must adapt extra simply to those calls for.
