John Heitinga has curious FSG link after Liverpool appointment confirmed

Arne Slot has appointed John Heitinga, the former Everton midfielder, to his Liverpool coaching staff after taking over at Anfield this summer. And the 40-year-old Dutchman has a curious link with FSG .

Heitinga's only appearance for Everton against Liverpool came just days after FSG had taken over at Anfield. The deal for John W Henry and co to come in went through on the Friday; two days later, the US group was in attendance for the 214th Merseyside derby which marked the beginning of its tenure.

"If Boston Red Sox owner Henry wanted a graphic illustration of the scale of the task in front of him, he got it here." That was the verdict of BBC Sport on the day, with Heitinga playing a key role for David Moyes in snuffing out a limited Liverpool threat.

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Liverpool was 19th in the Premier League table at the time, level on points with Wolves and West Ham, who were also in the relegation zone, with Roy Hodgson in charge. Goals from Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta sealed the result at Goodison Park and Howard Webb was the referee.

Heitinga made 115 appearances for Everton in total but this was the only time he came out on top against his new employer. He spent five years at Goodison Park and only played more games for Ajax during his career, also representing Atletico Madrid, Fulham and Hertha Berlin. He also earned 87 international caps for the Netherlands, reaching the World Cup final.

Liverpool.com says: Heitinga arrives as a really highly-rated coach. He has spent time with Ajax and West Ham since retiring from playing and comes in with a good reputation. The 40-year-old should be a key part of the new-look backroom team under Slot.