“Interesting” – David Lynch on Liverpool’s Interest in £52m Real Madrid Star | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Midfield Conundrum: Slot, Tchouameni and the Evolution Under New Leadership

Liverpool’s start to the 2024-25 season under new manager Arne Slot has been nothing short of remarkable, sparking discussions around the club’s strengths and future targets. Dave Davis’s recent podcast on Anfield Index with journalist David Lynch dives into Liverpool’s trajectory, the performances of key players, and transfer rumours — especially concerning Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni. Lynch’s insights provide a clear picture of Slot’s transformative approach at Liverpool and what fans might expect moving forward.

Slot’s Tactical Mastery and Liverpool’s Midfield Renaissance

With Slot taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s tactical adjustments have raised eyebrows. Lynch emphasises that Slot has managed a “disruptive preseason” smoothly, with the team now “top of the Premier League and the Champions League.” Slot’s tenure has started with a bang, making him the most successful new manager in Liverpool’s history in terms of results, but it’s the adjustments to the midfield and the tactical “profile” that are driving these results. Slot has altered Liverpool’s defensive approach, and as Lynch notes, Liverpool’s defensive profile under him “isn’t normal; it’s one of the best starts of any new manager anywhere in history.”

A significant aspect of this overhaul is Slot’s emphasis on flexibility in the midfield, which has left some gaps and raised the potential for reinforcements. This has led to renewed links with Aurelien Tchouameni. However, as Lynch points out, “the profile of the number six has changed,” adding that while Tchouameni would fit a Klopp-era Liverpool, the current squad under Slot may prioritise “tempo-setters” over traditional ball-winners.

Photo: IMAGO

Aurelien Tchouameni: Is He the Right Fit for Slot’s Liverpool?

The rumour mill connecting Tchouameni to Liverpool refuses to settle. The French international would undoubtedly add class to any midfield. Davis asked Lynch about this potential signing, given Tchouameni’s stylistic compatibility with Liverpool’s historical approach. However, Lynch reveals that Slot may not see Tchouameni as a priority: “the profile of the six they’re looking for has evolved. Someone like Tchouameni isn’t a metronome, he’s more of a ball-winner,” suggesting that Liverpool could pivot towards other profiles if they enter the market.

Lynch’s comments suggest Liverpool’s recruitment strategy has matured with Slot’s arrival, moving from a high-energy, counter-attacking style under Klopp to a more possession-focused approach. Slot has consistently shown interest in players who can recycle the ball efficiently. “If Klopp was still here, I think they’d be all over it,” Lynch remarks, further indicating Slot’s potential to alter Liverpool’s transfer targets.

Curtis Jones and Mo Salah: Stepping Up Under Slot

Curtis Jones’ development continues to be a hot topic. His standout performances this season led Davis to ask Lynch about Jones’ place in the squad. Lynch’s response was glowing: “This was an elite European game, and Curtis Jones just proved he’s an elite European midfielder.” Jones’ passing precision and work rate reflect Slot’s style. In a game where metrics matter, Jones’ “pass completion rate hovered around 90%,” a sign that Slot’s influence is already visible in Liverpool’s midfield.

Photo: IMAGO

Similarly, Mo Salah’s contributions have largely gone under the radar this season. As Lynch observes, “The guy he’s one-on-one with gets two assists and, in a 4-0 defeat, we almost expect it now.” Salah’s consistency is often overshadowed, but Slot’s system may allow him to maintain this high level without burning out. Lynch highlights that “the only thing we’re watching with Mo is to make sure he stays prolific across the season,” a comment that perfectly encapsulates Salah’s steady, impactful presence.

Slot’s Balancing Act and the Champions League Advantage

Slot’s management extends beyond tactical insights to smart rotation. Lynch notes that Slot has managed rotations effectively, especially during Liverpool’s hectic schedule: “There’s no huge drop-off with rotation,” giving Liverpool’s midfield an edge in the long Premier League season. Lynch further highlights Liverpool’s position in the Champions League group stage, which they currently lead. He suggests that should Manchester City and Arsenal face qualifying play-offs due to lower finishes, it would provide Liverpool with a welcome breather in the congested football calendar.

Looking ahead, the real test for Liverpool will come in how Slot manages injuries and squad depth. Liverpool will face title contenders like Real Madrid, who boast a seasoned midfield including players like Tchouameni. Slot’s tactics will be put to the test against Europe’s finest, and Lynch sees this season as a crucial moment for Liverpool’s title ambitions under new management.