After three games in charge, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has had a near-perfect start. Liverpool heads into the international break with 9 points and a clean sheet, making a mark with a resounding victory over their historic rival, Manchester United.
Slot has yet to use any new names compared to the Jurgen Klopp era, only making minor adjustments across the pitch. He has also faced a few issues during his 270 minutes, such as having to substitute Jarell Quansah in the first half of the Ipswich match due to concerns about the 21-year-old defender’s performance in one-on-one duels.
This indicates that Slot is ready to make tough decisions and prove himself as the right choice: Ibrahima Konate replaced Quansah, and Slot maintained the same lineup in victories against Brentford and Manchester United, with both teams struggling to secure wins against Liverpool.
Slot has become the third manager in the Premier League era to win their first three games in the top English division without conceding. Jose Mourinho achieved this feat at Chelsea in 2004, and Sven-Goran Eriksson did it three years later at Manchester City. All three managers have secured a victory against Manchester United.
Four of Liverpool’s five defenders have been stable for a long time, provided fitness allows. This experienced lineup includes Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson. Meanwhile, Quansah and Konate compete to become Van Dijk’s central defensive partner.
Last season, Liverpool’s leaky defense, which conceded too many shots and goals, was an issue that limited their title-challenging capabilities. Therefore, ensuring that Alisson is not overly “busy” is part of Slot’s new approach.
Alexander-Arnold can still move into midfield, and Robertson is free to push forward to support attacks on the left flank, but this does not undermine stability. Slot continues to criticize Alexander-Arnold’s passing at Old Trafford because he wants the defender to maintain defensive standards even while moving.
A stable defense has allowed the players upfront to adapt to their roles, knowing that the last line of defense is solid. With no defensive midfielder disrupting the play, Liverpool focuses on retaining possession more, with Ryan Gravenberch taking on the role of number 6.
The Dutch midfielder may not be the first to make a tackle, but at Old Trafford, he demonstrated excellent game-reading skills by intercepting Casemiro‘s pass and initiating a counterattack leading to Luis Díaz’s opening goal.
Every goal at Old Trafford came from midfield tenacity, as Liverpool’s pressure forced Manchester United into mistakes. This will be their routine in every match, and although opponents may sometimes break their rhythm, Liverpool players know they will take fewer risks with a reliable defense.
Brentford caused problems with counterattacks at Anfield but never created panic in Liverpool’s defense. Even when opportunities arose to challenge Alisson, the Brazilian goalkeeper remained outstanding and focused throughout the match.
Slot also brings joy and excitement to attacking play by trusting and giving freedom to the trio of Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota, and Mohamed Salah. Liverpool’s players want to enjoy and express themselves, something Van Dijk and Konate do in their own way.
In this context, the Dutch center-back excels at coordinating those in front and managing his teammates on the pitch, as he knows where everyone needs to be. This season, it is clear that the defense is becoming the foundation of Liverpool’s success.
