Emile Heskey: I'm Bullish on Liverpool under Arne Slot
Reds Adjusting Well to a New Playing Style
It’s only been five minutes since Jurgen Klopp departed Anfield but I can already see a difference between Klopp’s Liverpool and Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
The dynamics on the ball are quite a bit different under Slot. Under his predecessor, it was all about smothering and suffocating the opposition. They would press and harry teams high in their half, forcing them to feed us chances, which worked really well.
Under Slot, it feels like more of a structured team again. I think this should result in more consistent performances across the season, especially defensively. Is it easy to play Klopp's way for 90 minutes consistently? Absolutely not, although the team enjoyed plenty of success under him.
Under the new manager, the team looks more structured to me. They’re looking to create overloads in higher areas of the pitch, finding new ways to fashion chances for their incredible front line.
In my opinion, Liverpool’s opening three games of the season look much more controlled than what we’ve become used to in recent years – and it’s working so far.
Federico Chiesa Offers Exceptional Value
Federico Chiesa’s arrival at Liverpool from Juventus has caused quite a stir. I’m always excited by any new faces at Anfield. It feels like the club has done their due diligence on Chiesa and they feel he can excel in the system Slot wants to play.
He’s very cheap too when you look at today’s crazy market but his injury record and age obviously count against him. Nevertheless, I think Slot can get the best out of him.
It’s been a weird transfer window for Liverpool, what with their need to comply with FFP, but they have a great squad already and Chiesa is a good addition.
Liverpool put Manchester United to the Sword
The early-season derby between Manchester United and Liverpool was a great game. Liverpool were ruthless, put United under huge pressure, forced mistakes, created chances and didn’t need a second invitation to convert.
The biggest thing in these games is taking chances when you’re on top. If you don’t take your chances when you’re in the ascendancy, you give the opposition a chance to win the game, just like we saw last season in the FA Cup.
But this was different. Liverpool immediately took the wind out of United’s sails because, despite winning the FA Cup, United as a club remain under pressure.
Whenever you can pull off a win in a derby it gives you some breathing space. Any player will tell you that. That’s exactly what United did last season but this year Liverpool were able to put them to the sword and finish them off.
Hope Springs Eternal for Another Champions League Tilt
I’m excited for Liverpool’s journey in the Champions League this season. Having been drawn in the same group as Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, it throws up a string of exciting match-ups.
It’s a weird, new structure to the competition this year. Although we say that since we’re so used to the old structure. I’m sure we’ll all get used to this one as well.
It’s a great group regardless. Real Madrid are old rivals and you’ve also got the Alonso factor, with him returning following the drama of Liverpool wanting him to take over from Klopp this summer.
Frankly, if the players can’t get up for this group then they shouldn’t be in football. They will taste Anfield nights again and we’ll be winning the group, I’m sure.