Arne Slot is one of the most tactically adept managers in the Premier League and next season, he would like to keep English football on their toes with how he sets up his Liverpool side.
Slot admitted to keeping his tactics simple due to the Reds’ squad being accustomed to a world-class tactical setup deployed by Jurgen Klopp already.
But the Dutchman should given himself more credit as he has made Liverpool much calmer in possession than they were under Klopp with an intention to exact absolute control over games.
Arne Slot could play a new system next season as he reportedly intends to deploy Jeremie Frimpong as a right wing-back if he signs for Liverpool.
Frimpong is keen on joining Liverpool and it seems like the move to Slot’s side could well be on.
Liverpool should sign Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite this summer
If Arne Slot ends up incorporating a back three next season, Liverpool should be pushing to sign Jarrad Branthwaite.
With Milos Kerkez expected to sign for Liverpool, perhaps Slot’s vision is to form what could be the deadliest wing-back duo in world football, featuring the Hungarian and Frimpong.
Ibrahima Konate is accustomed to covering for Trent Alexander-Arnold and he would perform the same task at ease for Frimpong but on the other side of the defence, Branthwaite could do the same.
Liverpool have been scouting Branthwaite, who is set to leave Everton this summer and the Englishman would be tailor-made to play on the left side of a back three — being left-footed, an adept defender in wide areas, incredibly athletic and an excellent passer.
Much like Konate, the Toffees defender, who could cost £50 million is often tasked to go toe-to-toe with wingers due to straying out wide and more often than not, he comes out on top.
A back three featuring Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Branthwaite could make Liverpool even more defensively resolute, while teams would dread facing the likes of Frimpong and Kerkez — if the pair make the move to Anfield and play in Arne Slot’s potential new setup.
Andy Robertson has struggled at times this season and even if Slot plays a back four, perhaps the 22-year-old could play as a makeshift full-back — in the mould of other centre-backs like Josko Gvardiol and Jurrien Timber for Manchester City and Arsenal respectively.
Players who have played for both Liverpool and Everton
Everton fans will be hoping that the Carlisle-born defender does not commit the cardinal sin of moving to their bitter rivals, with Arsenal interested in signing Branthwaite as well.
However, it is difficult to deny that Branthwaite would especially fit a Liverpool side who play a back three.
But the move would certainly be a controversial one, with only five players having represented both clubs in the past.
| PLAYER | APPEARANCES FOR EVERTON | APPEARANCES FOR LIVERPOOL |
| NICK BARMBY | 116 | 44 |
| DON HUTCHISON | 75 | 42 |
| CONOR COADY | 2 | 25 |
| SANDER WESTERVELD | 2 | 88 |
| ANDY LONERGAN | 2 | 0 |
It’s safe to say that Nick Barmby, Don Hutchison, Conor Coady, Sander Westerveld and Andy Lonergan all made brave decisions of playing for both Merseyside clubs.
Whether Branthwaite follows in their footsteps remains to be seen but Liverpool will be hoping to one-up their familar foes by signing the jewel in their crown.
