For Vocal - What Has Arne Slot Changed at Liverpool?

When Jurgen Klopp departed Anfield in the summer, many predicted a period of turbulence and transition for the Reds.

After all, the German remains one of the game’s most revered and decorated coaches, while he managed to win eight trophies during his time on Merseyside.

However, new head coach Arne Slot has so far overseen a seamless transition, winning 10 of his 11 matches in all competitions and leading Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table.

This is despite the Dutchman making no major summer signings or radically adjusting Liverpool’s tactical approach. But what changes have Slot made at Anfield, and how have they impacted the team?

The Impact of Slot - What do the Initial Numbers Say?

To casual observers, Liverpool have appeared to be a more controlled and possession-oriented side under Slot.

However, it’s easy to forget that Klopp’s team evolved to become increasingly focused on possession over time too, rather than relying on intense pressing and relentless running from the middle of the park.

The stats create even greater nuance and complexity. In eight Premier League games so far in 2024/25, Liverpool have averaged 57.9% possession per 90 minutes, while attempting 131 take-ons (16.37 per game).

Last season, the Reds averaged 61.3% possession per 90 and attempted an estimated 19.39 take-ons each match. So, Klopp’s team boasted far greater dominance of the ball and were more likely to engage in duels when in possession, while they also adopted a slightly more intense and aggressive style of play.

Liverpool were also more creative in the attacking third under Klopp. To this end, they averaged an impressive 36.53 shot-creating actions per 90 last season (a Premier League high), while this figure has dropped to 26.75 in 2024/25.

Slot’s Focus on Efficiency and Structure

If we drill down further into the numbers, however, we can see that Slot has made the Reds a little more efficient in their work. For example, they’ve only underperformed their xG by -3.78 goals so far in 2024/25, whereas this figure peaked at -8.79 goals at the end of last season.

This greater efficiency in front of goal is also reflected by the club’s goals-to-shot ratio, which has increased from 0.09 to 0.11 under the stewardship of Slot.

When it comes to take-ons, Liverpool are also winning more of their duels when in possession (48.1% vs 44.9%). They’ve also completed 91.6% of their attempted passes so far this season, whereas this figure was slightly lower at 90.7% in the 2023/24 campaign.

This greater efficiency is also evident in the defensive third. In 2023/24, Liverpool made 19 mistakes leading to an opponent’s shot on goal, at an average of exactly 0.5 per 90 minutes.

However, they’ve only made three such errors so far in eight matches this season, at a paltry average of 0.37 per 90. What’s more, they’ve won 58.0% of their total tackles in 2024/25, with this percentage up significantly when compared to last season (44.4%).

The Last Word - Why it’s Evolution and Not Revolution at Anfield

Slot has also adapted Liverpool’s structure to help create this greater efficiency, switching from Klopp’s trademark 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1. This has introduced a double pivot of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, while Dominik Szoboszlai has pushed a little higher to aid the Reds’ initial press.

When in possession of the ball, Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to invert from right back to create an additional body in midfield. Gravenberch and Mac Allister then take turns in pushing forward, with the former already completing 367 carries in 2024/25.

This enhanced structure is helping Liverpool to play more patiently and with greater economy. They are therefore able to create superior chances and shooting positions, which has resulted in fewer attempts on goal but a significantly higher conversion rate.

The use of a 4-2-3-1 and more patient approach has made Liverpool better defensively, as they’ve won a far higher percentage of their tackles and made fewer mistakes.

This silent evolution is likely to continue, especially given Slot’s overt calmness and obvious authority within the camp. The really good news for Reds’ fans is that Liverpool’s star-studded forward line has yet to fully fire, and this will be of concern for EPL rivals Manchester City and Arsenal.