Arne Slot’s Liverpool Revolution: The Four Players Told to Up Their Game
Arne Slot’s Liverpool takeover has been nothing short of impressive, with the Dutchman’s Reds side impressing in their opening Premier League games. But according to a new report from The Athletic, Slot had some specific targets in mind when he first took the helm at Anfield.
Specifically, the 45-year-old was told by the club’s owners that four players needed to raise their game if Liverpool was to challenge for major honors. And it seems he’s been working his magic, with Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch all holding private meetings with Slot to discuss upping their levels.
[Image: Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool’s win at Manchester United. Image: Getty]
Konate, for example, was replaced by Jarell Quansah in the starting XI last season and didn’t feature for France at Euro 2024. However, he’s since caught the eye with some solid performances, including a replacement appearance at half-time of the opening-day win at Ipswich.
Szoboszlai and Gravenberch, on the other hand, have been tasked with adding more dynamism to their midfield play. With Liverpool missing out on the signing of Martin Zubimendi, Slot knows he needs his players to step up and bring some much-needed creativity to the table.
And what about Luis Diaz? Well, it seems the Uruguayan forward has been told to develop a more ruthless streak in front of goal. And boy, did he deliver against Manchester United earlier this month! Two goals and a thrilling performance that left fans dreaming of what’s to come.
It’s clear that Slot is all about accountability and pushing his players to be the best they can be. And so far, it seems to be working. Liverpool’s solid start to the season is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
But as we head into the international break, Slot knows that more and more will be expected of his players. The Champions League is just around the corner, and the stakes will be higher than ever.
"I don’t think [there has been] that much difference," Slot said after victory at Old Trafford in August. "You are used to, if you followed Liverpool for a long time, them pressing really high. That’s what we try to do now as well."
Time will tell if Slot’s Liverpool can maintain their lofty standards, but one thing’s for sure – these four players are under intense scrutiny to deliver. Can they rise to the challenge?
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