Liverpool head coach Arne Slot can deploy a completely fresh XI in the Reds’ final preseason contest against Sevilla.
Slot has inherited a talented squad at Anfield that is already accustomed to sticking with a 4-3-3 formation featuring two number eights rather than two more defensive players, as that was the system employed by Jurgen Klopp throughout his illustrious tenure. The Dutchman dismissed suggestions that he only played with a double pivot in midfield while at Feyenoord , insisting his system is a lot more fluid than touted - and he has been proved right through two exhibition games.
Throughout preseason thus far, Liverpool have secured back-to-back wins in style, winning the opener against Real Betis thanks to a goal from Dominik Szoboszlai at Acrisure Stadium. The Reds then added a second win with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in Philadelphia, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho proving too much for the Gunners , who pulled one back via Kai Havertz .
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Several players have caught the eye in preseason already, Slot can even call on a full XI heading into the final warm-up game before the 2024/25 season officially kicks off. While Manchester United are up first, here’s the XI of untried players set to be available ahead of Sevilla’s visit to Anfield:
Alisson ; Joe Gomez , Ibrahima Konate , Virgil van Dijk , Andy Robertson ; Trent Alexander-Arnold , Alexis Mac Allister , Ryan Gravenberch ; Luis Diaz , Darwin Nunez , Cody Gakpo
Liverpool are likely to start the season by lining up in a 4-3-3 formation - which Slot employed at Feyenoord. During his first press conference , Slot was surprised that people viewed his previous work as being tied to a 4-2-3-1.
“I was hoping if people looked at my Feyenoord team, it wasn't 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3,” Slot told reporters. “It's a lot of freedom to take different positions, a lot of freedom when we have the ball, sometimes 4-1-4-1. I wouldn't put myself in a position where I say I prefer a formation.
“If you asked me, I'd say we played 4-3-3 at Feyenoord. When we don't have the ball, we want to be really aggressive.”
He added: “I like to see good players and if they are all young, it doesn't matter much. It's nice to see younger players come through. It always gives energy to a club, and players from the academy, but it is all about quality. If they continue doing well there is a fair chance they will play again.”
Liverpool face Sevilla in their final preseason contest before opening their Premier League campaign against newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road. Slot has one more game to iron out and establish his best XI before the new year officially kicks off.
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