Liverpool are true title contenders in Arne Slot’s first season

When legendary coach Jurgen Klopp announced he was leaving the club after the 2023-24 season, many wondered if a new leader would be able to recreate the success of the past decade. This season’s start promises the side will compete at the top.

Liverpool are serious title contenders despite the managerial change because Slot didn’t fix what wasn’t broken.

The Dutchman was questioned for not going into the transfer market this summer to bring in his own players. However, Klopp had some of the most talented players in the league at multiple positions, leaving the former Feyenoord manager to fill in gaps behind the scenes to take Liverpool from the top four to title contention.

Every player who’s stepped on the pitch this season played last season under Klopp, two of whom look revitalized.

Luis Diaz has three goals and one assist in the first three games, including a brace Sunday vs. Manchester United. He appears more clinical and focused this season, with his shooting accuracy up 16% from 2023-24. 

Furthermore, Ryan Gravenberch proved to Slot that he can be the patient holding midfielder the side needs, allowing Alexis Mac Allister to play higher. He completed 83% of his passes Sunday, per Sofascore.

Slot is a bit more conservative than Klopp, who was known for aggressive pressing that may leave the side vulnerable in behind. Slot is happy to break the opposition with cautious and purposeful possession. Liverpool’s three clean sheets are products of that mentality.

The new manager also inherited Alisson Becker and Mo Salah, two of the best players ever at their positions. Goalkeeper Alisson has seven saves this season, ensuring the Reds maintain momentum throughout their matches. He made a vital reaction save in the second half on Sunday.

Salah has three goals and three assists this season. His form will continue to put pressure on the club to extend his contract while making its attack nearly unstoppable.

Liverpool only signed two players in the summer transfer window, one of whom is a goalkeeper it loaned back to Spanish side Valencia. Slot picked up Italian Federico Chiesa, a promising midfielder coming off an ACL tear. These moves complement a ready-made system.