A new era has begun for Liverpool with Arne Slot taking the hot seat. But who can prove it to him in preseason?
For the first time since October 2015, the Reds have a new manager. This means there will be someone new to impress the players as fans reserve judgment for the big moments.
All of these changes will ensure that doors will open for some who may have struggled to find the key in the past, while others will feel the need to step up and prove their worth.
Some people are given only a short period of time to prepare a campaign, while others are involved from day one.
All this leads to an exciting pre-season, and here we take a look at six players who have a point to prove to Slot ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Darwin Nunez
After attracting attention for being wasteful in front of goal last season, Darwin Nunez will be in the spotlight again this summer.
His time at Slot before the start of the season will be limited due to his involvement in the Copa America, but the forward is reportedly considered “vital” to the Dutchman’s plans.
It’s a confidence boost from the off, but he needs to show an improved level of ruthlessness and be trusted to make the impact in big games that he’s been lacking.
We hope he returns from international duty confident and ready to take on a new challenge at Anfield. His position in the XI depends on this.
Ibrahima Konate
Replaced by Jarell Quansah late last season, although he insisted otherwise, Ibrahima Konate had a battle on his hands.
His injury record and the possibility of the club being in the market for a new centre-back have left him vulnerable. Especially since he too has a short window of time to make an impression.
Konate is a talent Liverpool are lucky to have, and although he still has his best years ahead of him, his place will not be given up and he will have to prove he is consistently reliable.
Fabio Carvalho
With the first day of pre-season approaching, Carvalho will have plenty of time to catch the eye of Slot and his staff after spending several months on loan at Hull.
He was a square peg in a round hole under Klopp and with the number 10 position likely to open up in the XI, Carvalho could turn the page on his Anfield career.
The 21-year-old has attracted interest from Slot’s former club Feyenoord during his time in charge and this could be the boost he needs to showcase his talents throughout the summer.
Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez, Liverpool’s longest-serving player and one who predated Jurgen Klopp’s arrival, has one of the more exciting challenges ahead of him.
His preferred position is centre-back, but he continues to face stiff competition there, and the slot’s demands for a full-back could mean the door is not as open as it was under his predecessor.
It will be interesting to see how Gomez enforces Slott’s plan. At any given time, he will arrive fresh from England’s Euro campaign and the ball will be in his court to prove his credentials.
Costas Tsimikas
Questions still remain as to whether Kostas Tsimikas will remain at the club long enough to make an impression, but the point is that he has something to prove.
The slot demands a lot from his left-back player and Greece’s inconsistency and need for consistent game runs to find form puts him in a vulnerable position.
He is not a long-term option and it will take a lot for that perspective to change.
Andy Robertson is still ahead of him in the race, and Tsimikas, with his exciting youth and potential new signings, faces a steep uphill battle.
Stepan Byketic
Last season was a complete write-off for Stefan Bajcetic, with just three appearances halting the impressive progress he has made at the back end of the 2022/23 campaign.
With Klopp no longer in his corner, there is a new manager who will look to impress and instill confidence in himself and those at the club that his body can now cope with consistent first-team football.
He’s still just 19 years old and has plenty of exciting potential, but pre-season will be crucial to how his role in the squad takes shape.
young guns
Slot is known for showing faith in young players and is ready to turn them into regular first-team members, ensuring Klopp’s legacy continues.
With this in mind, owen beck, Luke Chambers and Cade Gordon There are a few names Slot would like to get into his thoughts as he will be involved from day one of preseason.
All have senior experience and are already part of the first-team squad, but it will be particularly interesting to see if the new manager prefers Beck or Chambers over Tsimikas.
That can actually be said.
Two other names worth mentioning are: Tyler Morton and goalkeeper Viteslav JarosBoth impressed during their loan spells last season and face a crossroads as to whether to keep them on loan or move on permanently.
