Jurgen Klopp is gone and Arne Slot faces the unenviable task of replacing Liverpool’s best manager of the modern era. Will the Dutchman keep Liverpool challenging?
Liverpool – Premier League Season Preview 2024/25
Last season: 3rd
Title odds: 7/1
TFF prediction: 3rd
Liverpool Transfers 2024/25
In: None.
Out: Adrian, Thiago, Joel Matip, Fabio Carvalho, Calvin Ramsay (loan), Lewis Koumas (loan).
After almost a decade under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool enter a new era in 2023/24 with Arne Slot having replaced the much-loved German. Slot has built a fine reputation in the Eredivisie but the move to England has often been challenging for Dutch imports. However, an impressive pre-season campaign has increased optimism despite the lack of activity in the transfer market.
Liverpool are the only side in the Premier League yet to make a first-team signing this summer, with the club’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi ending in rejection. After being turned down by Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia last summer, it continues a frustrating search for a long-term anchor in midfield.
Slot’s style retains some of the hallmarks of Klopp’s reign, though there have already been signs of a more patient and technical approach in comparison to the ‘Heavy Metal’ football we saw from his predecessor. His interest in Zubimendi, a controlling rather than combative defensive midfielder, is an indication of a potential shift in style.
Head coach Arne Slot has detailed out his style of play as we head into the 24/25 season 🗣️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 14, 2024
The fear at Liverpool will be a transitional period post-Klopp, though the Reds have a squad that is capable of competing this time around. With a frontline full of goals and emerging academy names in Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley adding depth in key areas, there will be quiet confidence from Slot that he can achieve in season one.
Perhaps the biggest issue will be addressing the futures of key names, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah all into the final 12 months of their deals.
Key player: Virgil van Dijk
Still so crucial to Liverpool. The Dutch defender might not be at the aura-emitting heights of his peak seasons in a red shirt but last season proved suggestions of decline premature. A dominant defensive presence in the air and on the ground, his leadership will be crucial to Liverpool’s success in 2024/25. Arne Slot will be grateful to have his compatriot as an ally in what could be Van Dijk’s final season at Anfield.
One to watch: Trey Nyoni
Having arrived from Leicester last summer, this could be the breakthrough season for Nyoni at Liverpool. The 17-year-old has caught the eye in pre-season and won praise from Slot, scoring in the friendly win over Sevilla at Anfield. Full of poise and technical excellence in tight areas of the pitch, the England youth international could be one of the big winners from Liverpool’s shift to ‘Slotball’.
First goal Onto the season! pic.twitter.com/Mh2um0p4S4
— Trey (@TreyNyoni) August 11, 2024
