Liverpool's search for a new manager took an unexpected twist on Tuesday with Arne Slot emerging as a leading contender for the upcoming vacancy at Anfield.
Feyenoord boss Slot is now one of the favourites to replace Jurgen Klopp when the legendary German steps down from his role this summer.
Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso was the early front-runner to replace Klopp but ruled himself out of contention last month, confirming he will stay at Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen next season.
Ruben Amorim has also been linked with the role but reports earlier this week claimed the Sporting manager is 'unlikely' to be given the top job at Liverpool.
Advert
That has opened the door for Slot, 45, who guided Feyenoord to victory in the KNVB Cup on Sunday - his second trophy with the Dutch club.
Slot previously masterminded their Eredivisie title win in the 2022/23 season and was linked with Chelsea and Tottenham last summer.
The former AZ Alkmaar boss typically uses a 4-2-3-1 formation but has been known to change his tactical approach depending on the opposition.
His style was previously described to i as "high-energy attacking football in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 with two deep-lying midfielders and a reliance on wingers to create chances".
Slot's flexibility was highlighted by the Coaches' Voice, who explained: "At Feyenoord, Slot has employed more variety in the front line when pressing. Despite setting up in the same 4-2-3-1 shape, he has at times included an extra player, pressing high with a front three – both man for man against a back three or against a back four."
Should he take charge at Anfield, Slot is likely to utilise his tactic of a double pivot in midfield, playing in front of a back four with attacking full-backs.
Alisson would almost certainly keep his place in goal, while Liverpool's record-breaking full-back duo of Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold likely start on the flanks.
Reds captain Virgil van Dijk would start in central defence, possibly alongside Ibrahima Konate.
Alexis Mac Allister, arguably the club's player of the season, would start as one of the two holding midfielders – potentially alongside a new No 6 signing – Mats Wieffer.
The versatile Dutchman has previously been linked with Liverpool and could be a potential bargain, having scored six goals in 42 games for Feyenoord this season.
In the 4-2-3-1 formation, Dominik Szoboszlai would be pushed forward into the No 10 role.
Cody Gakpo could get the nod over Luis Diaz on the left, given Slot's familiarity with him from their time against each other in the Eredivisie, while Salah would likely play on the right if he still remains at Anfield next season.
Darwin Nunez could get the nod over injury-prone Diogo Jota up front, although Slot may look to sign a more reliable striker if he joins – with Feyenoord forward Santiago Gimenez already on the Merseyside club's radar.
Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Feyenoord, Premier League, Eredivisie
Rory O'Callaghan