Liverpool are just about 48 hours away, at the time of writing, from starting the Arne Slot era with a trip to Ipswich Town.

The Reds are about to start a season without Jurgen Klopp in charge for the first time since August 2015.

Arne Slot is on board having left Feyenoord for a move to Anfield with Klopp throwing his backing behind the Dutchman.

Pre-season results have been encouraging with Liverpool managing to beat the likes of Real Betis, Manchester United, Arsenal and Sevilla.

The youngest players to play for Liverpool of all time	Injured Liverpool star says 'see you soon' after Arne Slot confirms blow	Mohamed Salah's former Liverpool teammate gives contract update

Liverpool players appear to be taking well to Slot’s methods, which are quite the change from the all-action, heavy metal approach of Klopp.

Slot’s style is a little more measured and quintessentially Dutch, even being branded ‘very elegant’ by Harvey Elliott.

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Slot predominantly favours a 4-2-3-1 formation, not a huge change from the 4-3-3 Klopp preferred but still a slight change.

We may see more of Dominik Szoboszlai as a number 10 but who sits in holding midfield remains to be seen.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

Then we come to Cody Gakpo, a player who perhaps hasn’t quite lived up to expectations since his 2023 move from PSV Eindhoven.

Gakpo has managed 15 goals and eight assists in 56 Premier League games but has left Liverpool fans wanting more.

Gakpo excelled for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 though with Daniel Sturridge suggesting that he looked like a ‘different player’ in the famous orange shirt.

Now back at Liverpool, Gakpo is hoping to really kick on under his compatriot Slot.

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Gakpo has admitted that he has now spoken to Slot about his role in the Liverpool side.

Gakpo now believes that Slot views him as a winger rather than a striker, but accepts that he may need to play in other roles.

“Yeah, I spoke to him and obviously he sees me as a left winger.

Just be ready.’ For me, I’m here and I try to play the best football I can and help the club as much as I can with my qualities,” he added.

More than half of Gakpo’s appearances under Klopp came as a striker rather than in his more natural left-wing role.

Gakpo featured on the left side for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 and he may now find himself in direct competition with Luis Diaz rather than fighting for a striking role.

Slot has seen Gakpo first-hand having coached against him in the Netherlands.

Gakpo faced Slot’s Feyenoord three times and actually lost 4-0 in a thumping defeat in their first meeting.

Gakpo made his impact known in the second game though, scoring twice in a 2-2 draw.

The finest display of the lot came in 2022, just months before Gakpo left PSV for Liverpool.

Gakpo racked up one goal and three assists in a 4-3 PSV win over Slot’s side, contributing in every PSV goal.

Slot knows what Gakpo can provide down the left flank and may see him as his next impact player down that side.

Luis Sinisterra thrived under Slot, smashing 23 goals and 14 assists in 48 appearances before earning a move to Leeds United.

Igor Paixao came in to replace the Colombian and recorded 21 goals and 10 assists in 81 games under Slot.

The Liverpool boss is very used to seeing his left wingers make a big impact and you can even point to Yankuba Minteh’s success on the right side too.

Diaz may start the season as Liverpool’s first-choice left winger, but don’t be surprised if Gakpo forces his way in with Slot already familiar with his ability.

Related Topics


For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.