Arne Slot has had an excellent start as Liverpool’s manager.
Liverpool defeated Manchester United 3-0 on Sunday at Old Trafford, maintaining their perfect start to the current Premier League season.
While Chelsea and Manchester United spent massively this summer, those on Merseyside were much quieter.
Federico Chiesa was Liverpool’s star acquisition in a bargain deal, while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili joined the club but was loaned back to Valencia.
Despite Slot’s desire to bring in a number six, Martín Zubimendi declined to join Liverpool.
There was little fear among the team members because they did not push for anyone else, with many believing that, other from the number six place, Slot has a fantastic group to work with.
Paul Scholes was on the touchline during Liverpool’s victory over Manchester United and was quite satisfied with what he saw.
While everyone was focused on Liverpool’s starting lineup, notably midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, Scholes was eager to point to the team’s bench.
The great midfielder revealed that when Liverpool’s bench players walked past him, he thought ‘wow’ and couldn’t believe the quality they possessed.
Chiesa was in the fans, but Scholes mentioned Harvey Elliott and the squad’s’real dominance’ in an interview with Premier League Productions (01/09/24 at 6:10 pm).
Liverpool’s squad depth
“When you see the squad, the first XI was brilliant, that’s probably their easiest game out of the three they have had,” Scholes said.
“When we watched the substitutes warm up and pass us, I thought, ‘Wow, this is a true group of players’. I think he (Slot) was really fortunate to stroll into it. Of course, he must put his own stamp on it, which I am confident he will do, as we have seen in the first three games.
“They look better defensively, though they did concede a couple of chances – we’re talking about the six forwards they have.” They also have five excellent midfield players. You think of Curtis Jones, who is not present today. Harvey Elliott, who can help with it. He seems to like all three of them (Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai). He did not change the three. It was all forwards. The right or left back. Liverpool’s squad exudes dominance. They might truly compete for the title this year.”
Who is on the Liverpool bench?
Jarell Quansah, a centre-back, had a breakout season last season and was on standby for England’s European Championship squad this summer.
Conor Bradley has also earned good reviews and is Trent Alexander-Arnold’s backup, with Joe Gomez serving as another defensive option.
Then there’s Cody Gakpo, who had an amazing Euro 2024, and Darwin Nunez, who was inconsistent but always dangerous.
If Slot wants to freshen things up in midfield, he can utilize the underrated Wataru Endo and emerging sensation Harvey Elliott, while Chiesa and Curtis Jones are not in the matchday roster this weekend.
Caoimhin Kelleher and Kostas Tsimikas were the other players on Liverpool’s bench at Old Trafford, and they will all be needed after the international break, when games will come thick and fast.
