Liverpool players, Arne Slot

3 Liverpool players who may not fit into Arne Slot’s plans

Sachin Bhat

The Dutchman is all set to take over next season

As Liverpool FC are gearing to bid their long-time manager Jurgen Klopp a farewell, speculations of what the side would look like under his successor, Arne Slot, are doing the rounds already. The Dutchman was announced as the club’s next permanent manager last month after weeks of rumors.

Currently the manager of Dutch side Feyenoord, Slot gained recognition after guiding the side to the league title last season, ending a six-year drought. This season, he followed it up by adding the KNVB Cup under his belt.

Liverpool will be hoping that the 45-year-old is able to build on the success which Klopp had at Liverpool over the last nine years. However, his playing style is starkly different to Klopp’s heavy-metal football.

Slot, instead, emphasizes on a more possession-based style of play albeit one which is equally high-energy. It demands players to have a good technical ability on the ball and be able to make swift decisions. This will surely call for massive changes in Liverpool’s playing style, affecting some of their current players. These three, in particular, may not settle in:

Nathaniel Philipps

The defender’s meteoric rise to prominence during the 2021-22 season led many to hail him as the next potential homegrown talent. However, a lack of opportunities saw him move away on loan spells, and he’s currently with Championship side, Cardiff City. Though a great defender, Philipps lacks the characteristics to imbibe Slot’s philosophy and could probably struggle. It could pave his way out of the club permanently.

Thiago Alcantara

Liverpool’s estranged midfielder Thiago Alcantara has once again struggled with injuries this season. It has seen him miss the majority of their campaign. His poor fitness record also means the Spaniard would have a hard time adapting to Slot’s style of play.

Joel Matip

Much like Alcantara, Joel Matip also has had his fair share of injuries during his time at the club. The former Cameroonian international has made only 10 appearances in the Premier League this season. A reliable defender with a knack for composure and ability to play out from the back, Matip, however, lacks pace that is needed to implement Slot’s tactics.

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