2 weeks ago
12
For Arne Slot, the international break did not serve as a fresh start.
Instead, Liverpool suffered its fourth consecutive loss when Manchester United delivered a shock defeat, marking the club's first Premier League loss at Anfield in nearly a year. After winning five out of five matches to top the table, the Reds now find themselves in fourth place, with rivals Arsenal and Manchester City both ahead.
This presents Slot with the most significant challenge of his tenure so far. The last time Liverpool experienced four consecutive losses was back in 2014 under Brendan Rodgers, just months after narrowly missing out on the title.
The Reds managed to recover somewhat but still fell short of the top four. Despite the team's current form, Liverpool is still considered a contender for the title due to its undeniable quality. However, Slot must address several pressing issues.
Even during the team's early-season winning streak, there were concerns about performance levels.
The Reds consistently scored late goals, which, while sometimes indicative of a great team, seemed more like a band-aid solution to underlying problems. The late goals have ceased, as has the winning, and the Dutchman now faces the task of overcoming these challenges, much like his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool is set to face back-to-back away games, one in the Champions League and one in the Premier League. Both Frankfurt and Brentford pose challenges for the Reds, and we examine what Slot needs to address promptly.
Deciding on attack
The most debated topic on Merseyside is determining Liverpool's best attacking line-up. It's not as simple as Slot choosing his top three or four players and sticking with them.
Pep Guardiola has frequently rotated his frontline over the years, particularly before Erling Haaland, but the standard remained consistent. However, the Liverpool boss doesn't seem to be getting the best out of many of his attacking players.
Hugo Ekitike appears to be the most astute summer signing, yet his reward for a scintillating opening few weeks is a spot on the bench. Cody Gakpo may be one of Liverpool's less glamorous forwards, but he is arguably among the most effective. Slot needs to establish a system that works and allows players to rotate without any significant issues or drops in quality.
Justify expenditure
Speaking of issues, one that Liverpool has created for itself is spending record-breaking British sums on two players. You simply cannot invest that kind of money and then not make the transfers successful, or at least attempt everything possible.
The investment in Alexander Isak means Slot has to ensure the transfer pays off. And the Swede has demonstrated he can be a top performer in the Premier League.
Florian Wirtz doesn't possess the track record to justify his eye-watering £116 million ($155.3 million) price tag. Ultimately, a player worth £116 million cannot become a squad luxury who features sporadically.
Perhaps Liverpool's system doesn't suit a No. 10, so the question becomes: can Wirtz adapt to a wing position or a deeper role? Mikel Arteta brought in Kai Havertz as a playmaker but, through experimentation, discovered he could be remarkably effective as a false nine. That's something for Slot to consider, as he may need to think outside the box.
Stop basketball feel
Jamie Carragher identified this issue from the very first minute and has repeatedly highlighted the concern. For a side that appeared so measured and assured last season, Liverpool seems to have lost its grip on matches.
Certainly, the Reds are entertaining, but only if you're watching as a neutral. They threw away a 2-0 advantage against Bournemouth on opening night, and alarm bells immediately rang. Carragher has stated: "I'm not watching a top team. Liverpool aren't playing football at the moment, they are playing basketball. It is just end-to-end, and I don't think top teams play like that."
The Reds appear vulnerable and, until their approach to matches shifts, it's unlikely they'll look like they have much control. It's reasonable to suggest that the uncertainty surrounding their forward line isn't helping, with defending largely starting in the final third.
Make Salah decision
Slot can't afford to fret over whether Liverpool made a mistake with this contract decision. Persisting with the Egyptian simply because he's signed a new two-year deal, despite his lack of contribution to the team, is far worse.
He's only managed to score twice in eight league games - and one of those was from the penalty spot. It's no secret that he's been relieved of certain defensive duties. However, this only works if he's delivering in attack, which he isn't at the moment.
Slot substituted him late in the game on Sunday, but while Salah has been a talisman for the Reds, he can't be considered untouchable. It remains to be seen, but a significant decision regarding the 33-year-old could serve as a warning to the rest of the team.
Sort out defense
Easier said than done. The decision to let Jarell Quansah leave already seems questionable, particularly given Ibrahima Konate's form. As long as his performance levels remain as they are, rumors of his departure this summer won't cease. At right-back, Dominik Szoboszlai has indeed looked impressive.
However, playing him in that position feels similar to when James Milner was used as a right-back. Yes, he does the job, and yes, he's consistent, but it's ultimately not his natural position, and he's only being played there due to concerns over other options.
Szoboszlai is a midfielder, and forcing him into the defense is a short-term fix for a long-term issue. Virgil van Dijk continues to be Liverpool's defensive cornerstone, but he can't do it all by himself, and the instability around him is clearly not helping the team's aspirations.
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