Liverpool's Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch could prove a key player for the Reds. — AFP
LIVERPOOL’S Arne Slot era begins in earnest with a trip to Portman Road Stadium to take on Premier League new boys Ipswich Town.
While the Reds’ Dutch head coach impressed during pre-season, there is still much for him to do to improve his team.
With a slightly different style of play compared to Juergen Klopp’s, the players would still need a bit of time to adapt to the new instructions and strategies.
This is especially true when players arrive late from their international competitions and are still considered unfit.
However, as seen in the friendlies against Sevilla, Manchester United and Arsenal, Slot’s possession-based play is certainly pleasing to the eye, as it is now all about maintaining control and tactical discipline.
Against the newly promoted side, Slot will be expected to field Virgil van Dijk, Jarell Quansah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson as his back four, with Alisson Becker in goal.
Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis MacAllister and Ryan Gravenberch should make up the midfield trio. Up top in attack, it should be Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.
On the other hand, Ipswich, managed by Kieran McKenna, would also likely want to make a good impression of themselves by taking the Merseyside club head on.
McKenna certainly has the tools to do so, as they were the highest scoring side in the Championship last season, having scored 92 goals, three more than champions Leicester City.
Midfielder Conor Chaplin and forward Nathan Broadhead both have 13 goals each, while Omari Hutchinson, who completed a permanent move from Chelsea recently, had last season scored 10 goals and contributed four assists while on loan.
McKenna should start all three and Liverpool should be wary of these players.
Left back Leif Davis, meanwhile, was their main source for assists, with 18, and he also managed two goals.
Slot may be unfamiliar with the league, not just Ipswich, but Liverpool supporters will have high expectations for the Reds to win some silverware this season.
Slot may be new to the league, but he is a demanding coach who will not want to see his first game of the new season end in anything but a win.
There are some concerns from fans about the Reds’ preparedness to go into the new season without a new Number Six, especially after Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi rejected a move to Merseyside.
After Thiago Alcantara’s departure, there is a need to bring another defensive midfielder in.
If the Reds fail to secure another target, there is hope that players such as Gravenberch, Stefan Bajcetic, and Tyler Morton could potentially fill the void.
Fortunately, Slot inherited a competent squad from Klopp that does not require major changes. Only time will tell how the team performs this season, but he also has the players’ support, who are convinced of his tactics.
