Arne Slot has introduced himself to the Liverpool fans following his side’s 3-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday at Old Trafford.
Under Jurgen Klopp, everyone knew what Liverpool would dish out and there was a lot of in-your-face type of football.
But under Slot, the style of play is far more controlled and the players are much calmer in possession as they have displayed in their first three matches.
Michael Owen stated that Slot doesn’t want any risky football and he noticed how he would react to any risks being taken whilst he was stood on the touchline at Old Trafford.
Even though Liverpool outclassed Manchester United, their tempo didn’t change at all and they always played the game like it was 0-0.
One man who has made a fantastic start under Slot is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been used in his usual right-back role, despite calls for his new manager to play him in midfield.
Under Klopp, Alexander-Arnold showcased his Kevin de Bruyne-esque qualities on the ball and would ping passes around for fun.
But Owen stated that Slot was ‘grimacing’ any time the England international tried to play a ‘risky’ ball against Manchester United, as he told Premier League Productions (01/09/24 at 5:00 pm).
Overall, Alexander-Arnold produced a strong defensive display and had a goal disallowed before being subbed off after 76 minutes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold under Arne Slot
“It has been quite telling in front of us, Arne Slot,” said Owen. “I mean, any risky ball and he doesn’t like it. He doesn’t like it at all.
“As soon as Trent decides to take his foot back to ping one across the pitch, he is grimacing. He just wants safe play. In this second half, there is no need for risk now. I think he will be drumming it into them there ‘even safer, keep the ball and take the sting out of the crowd’.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract
Real Madrid are knocking for Alexander-Arnold and you have to worry if you are a Liverpool fan because he has less than 12 months remaining on his contract.
Conor Bradley is Alexander-Arnold’s back-up, and whilst he is showing huge promise, there isn’t a replacement in the building for their star man on the right.
READ MORE: Star gets ‘better and better’ after Liverpool sale as he impresses manager on full debut
But the Liverpool academy product isn’t the only one who could head for the exit door and you fear the club have some huge calls to make.
If, at a minimum, the team can secure Champions League football this season and then tie down Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah to new deals, then it would be a brilliant sign for the club’s future post-Klopp.
The post 'He doesn't like it': Michael Owen noticed Slot 'grimacing' at Liverpool player's passing at Old Trafford appeared first on HITC.
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