Liverpool showing confidence despite no new arrivals so far this summer

After former manager Jurgen Klopp left the club, waves of doubt emerged when the club didn’t introduce new supportive players to the roster during the early offseason.

The Reds were beaten by Preston in a behind closed-doors friendly before the new PL season. People worried whether new manager Arne Slot could replicate the predecessor’s success but the Reds responded after their US tour this month.

Liverpool tallied three wins from Real Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United during the trip. Despite lacking several stalwarts in the squad, Slot eventually made a statement with his new system, gaining expectations to finish the upcoming season well.

Arne Slot’s System Leads Harvey Elliott to A Breakout 

Unlike Klopp’s 4-3-3 formation, Slot runs the team with his special 4-2-3-1 hybrid formation, giving only one finisher at the front while multiple players in the middle.

Thus, some players will have to situate themselves in a new position. The obvious one that comes to mind is Harvey Elliott, who previously played No. 8 under Klopp but switched to No. 10 during the US Tour. 

The 21-year English talent was seen as a versatile player on both ends but couldn't see any further improvement to become an absolute star.

However, Elliott released all of his energy in the new position in the middle, contributing two assists in three friendlies.

In most times with the ball, Elliott is more playing the role of facilitator to organize plays. His new role is regarded as a surprise to the team before the new season begins, offering Slot a tactic to consider for building his system.

Surprising depth an explanation for no signings?

Although the victories on the US Tour doesn’t necessarily prove a ton, it brings confidence for the club’s managerial staff to not stay too tight to the transfer market.

Other than spotting some breakout players such as Elliott, Fabio Carvalho and Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool still has Luiz Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Virgil van Dijk, and others who are gradually returning to the camp. 

Though playing in an unfavorable position, Carvalho still demonstrated the results from previous loan experiences and shined with back-to-back goals during the trip to the USA.

Thus, it is expected that Slot will put him in his plans for the upcoming season, especially considering the club had rejected the interest from Southampton. As a roundup, Liverpool is unlikely to make a move before the season starts later this month.

However, those three exhibitions in America also brought a concern to Endo Wataru, who temporarily couldn’t adapt to Slot’s new system and played ordinarily at the base of midfield.

After starting the first match against Real Betis, Wataru was dropped to the bench and came off in the remaining two matches. Considering the squad still contained a more all-round Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru might be snubbed under Slot’s plan. 

Besides Wataru’s struggle, it also raises the question of whether the Reds should at least add players to solidify their backline. I guess we’ll never know until the season kicks off.