Arne Slot wanted to keep Adrian at Liverpool, but the veteran goalkeeper joined his boyhood club, Real Betis, following the expiration of his contract

Arne Slot wanted to keep Adrian at Liverpool, but the veteran goalkeeper joined his boyhood club, Real Betis, following the expiration of his contract

The Liverpool boss has explained the team's tactical approach during the 1-0 win over Real Betis in the United States

The Liverpool boss has explained the team's tactical approach during the 1-0 win over Real Betis in the United States

With Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg touted with a move away this summer, the Dutchman has explained his stance and what it would take to stay.

Van den Berg is among the most coveted players in Arne Slot‘s squad in the current transfer window, with a variety of clubs chasing his signature.

That clubs after an open admission from the Dutchman that he was looking to leave, having failed to break through under previous manager Jurgen Klopp.

But with a change in the dugout and, so far this summer, an upgrade in his role – leapfrogging Nat Phillips as a starting centre-back in the absence of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate – that may have shifted.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the 1-0 friendly win over Real Betis, Van den Berg was asked about his future.

“I’m still a Liverpool player. I enjoy it here, really,” he insisted.

"It's one of the biggest if not the biggest club in the world so if it's here it's my dream" ?

Sepp van den Berg is hoping he can get game time at Liverpool this season ? pic.twitter.com/omNGnNrGeS

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 27, 2024

“It’s been a very nice pre-season. Of course, new coach, like new era starts, fresh training, new style of play. I really like it.

“For me, it’s just about game time and, at the moment, I’m getting it here.

“So I’m happy at the moment, but like I said, it’s still early. You never know what can happen, but for me the most important thing is playing.

“If I can do it here, there’s no better place. It’s one of the biggest, if not the biggest, clubs in the world, so if it’s here, it’s my dream.

“But for me, the most important thing is playing, so I will see what happens.”

Van den Berg has laid out his expectations, then, with game time paramount, and if Slot can provide that at Liverpool, he would be happy to stay.

Of course, with Van Dijk, Konate, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez all vying for a place in the side too, there is no guarantee he will be a starter.

But as part of the first group back for pre-season at the AXA Training Centre earlier this month – and having even met with Slot in his hometown of Zwolle beforehand – there has been an opportunity for the 22-year-old to impress.

“I’m a little bit lucky that a lot of players are still away [after] the Euros,” Van den Berg smiled.

“But for me, it’s a good thing. I played 45 the first game [against Preston at the AXA], 60 in this one, I hope to make more minutes even in the next two games.

“For me, it’s perfect. I can show myself in training, in the games, get game time, get rhythm, so it’s been very good.”

He added: “At a club like this, at this level, you have to be patient. I’ve been here now for five years, time flies.

“Of course, I’ve been away [on loan] quite a lot, but for me they were perfect steps, gaining experience.

“I’ve played a lot of games in the last few years, especially at centre-back. I came here very, very young, so for me to go out a few times, it was perfect.

“Now to be here, feeling ready, feeling good. I think it was very good.”

Adblock test (Why?)

Arne Slot‘s first friendly in charge of Liverpool showed glimpses of what he describes as “our style,” with the head coach explaining how he expects to play.

The Reds began their tour of the United States with a stop in Pittsburgh, which brought a clash with Real Betis that ended in a 1-0 win.

Dominik Szoboszlai scored the goal, having started the game in an unorthodox role as he and Harvey Elliott operated as “double 10s” in the absence of a centre-forward.

In his post-match press conference, Slot made it clear that this 4-4-2 setup was not his plan moving forward, with the head coach telling reporters “you will see us play with a real striker.”

[embedded content]

[embedded content]

But the Dutchman made it clear that the hallmarks of his style were on show in the victory.

“The style of play, with trying to build out from the back, that is our style,” he explained.

“To control the game, to not concede constant counter-attacks, that will hopefully be our style during the season.

“There were also, of course, many things we can improve, but that’s normal after two weeks.”

Slot gave interesting detail over his vision for Liverpool, which certainly differs from Jurgen Klopp‘s approach – despite sharing many similarities, too.

Under Slot, the Reds can be expected to take more time on the ball, with more repetitive possession play, rather than the full-throttle, often direct style employed by Klopp.

It will take some time for the players to get used to – as well as the fans – but his successful setup at Feyenoord can certainly be translated to his new squad.

“I think there were a few positive things and, of course, a few things we have to improve,” he continued.

“But the positive thing is that we kept a clean sheet. I think we only conceded one big chance and that was somewhere around the last 10 minutes of the game.

“So we controlled the game really well and in between we had a few good attacks where we created a few good chances and scored a good goal.

“Those were the positives from this game.”

Adblock test (Why?)

Uruguay star Darwin Nunez has starred at international level this summer and former Chelsea and Tottenham star Gus Poyet believes Liverpool and Arne Slot now know what they need to do to bring out the best in the striker.

Uruguay star Darwin Nunez has starred at international level this summer and former Chelsea and Tottenham star Gus Poyet believes Liverpool and Arne Slot now know what they need to do to bring out the best in the striker.

The national media have reacted to Liverpool's win over Real Betis as Arne Slot made his debut for the Reds

The national media have reacted to Liverpool's win over Real Betis as Arne Slot made his debut for the Reds

Mohamed Salah has entered the final year of his contract at Liverpool and the club are desperate for him to pen fresh terms amid interest from Saudi Arabia

Mohamed Salah has entered the final year of his contract at Liverpool and the club are desperate for him to pen fresh terms amid interest from Saudi Arabia

Arne Slot‘s first proper friendly in charge of Liverpool ended with a 1-0 win over Real Betis in Pittsburgh, with some encouraging signs from the Reds.

Liverpool 1-0 Real Betis

Pre-season Friendly, Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh, PA)
July 27, 2024

Goal: Szoboszlai 34′

A positive and encouraging start to preseason

It was a bit of a stuttering first half display as the players were shedding the cobwebs and finding their feet.

An error strewn first 20 minutes or so thankfully went unpunished and an excellent move featuring Trey Nyoni, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mo Salah saw our number eight finish with aplomb.

While playing in a different ‘position’ here, Szoboszlai’s role this coming season should be much different to that under Klopp. “The centre-mids were always lads who were runners and more disciplined,” said Curtis Jones this week and Szoboszlai should be one to benefit from the changed midfield setup.

After the goal, the Reds took control and really never let go. Even the introduction of a host of youngsters failed to disrupt the Reds’ momentum and, in fact, helped to maintain and even improve it.

Changing formations

It was a strange starting set up, even given the sparsity of senior players at our disposal.

The defence was a typical shape, but ahead of them, it was difficult to figure out who was playing deep, who were the advanced midfielders, and other than Mo, who were the forwards?

As the game progressed, the tactics and formations remained fluid. Given we were also missing a host of top class first teamers, it was too early – and there were too many changes – to get any kind of definitive idea of how Arne Slot will set the team up when the season starts.

“During the season you will see us play with a real striker, but at this moment we have no one available,” Slot explained post-match.

“That is maybe out of necessity, but for the rest, the style of play, with trying to build out from the back, that is our style.”

READ: Arne Slot explains surprise formation vs. Real Betis – and why we won’t see it often!

Trey Nyoni shines – but Slot’s correct

We had seen very little of 17-year-old Trey Nyoni prior to this game, but what a performance it was from him.

His introduction (after half an hour due to injury to Jones) paid immediate dividends as it was his clever forward ball to Szoboszlai that created the space for the only goal.

Within ten minutes he had played several inventive forward passes through the lines; it was a feature of his game throughout his forty minutes on the pitch. Another was his ability to find time and space.

It’s too easy to go overboard too soon, but it is a fact that many great midfielders have that trait and to see it in evidence today in one so young was highly encouraging.

Thankfully, Slot rightly played down expectations post-match, saying: “He did well, but he just turned 17, his body has to grow – and we are really careful with him.

“You can see his quality, but you can also see his body still needs some time to grow to play a Premier League level. But he showed some interesting things today.”

Midfield – a positive conundrum?

It was almost a ‘first choice’ starting midfield trio with Szoboszlai, Endo and Jones supplemented by Harvey Elliott.

It’s unfair to be too critical given it was the first competitive preseason friendly, but it’s also fair to say that some of the performances were a little disappointing in the first half.

Szoboszlai was neat and tidy and of course scored the only goal but was also often on the fringes of the game. Elliott was hit and miss throughout his time on the field and Jones looked ponderous and uncertain until eventually coming off injured.

But then their replacements came in and completely changed the dynamic and energy of the midfield engine room. Many of the youngsters did themselves proud and must have done their future chances no harm at all.

Youngsters the biggest positive?

Perhaps the most encouraging take away from this game has to be the highly impressive performances of a host of youngsters. Many caught the eye – in fact most of them caught the eye!

Stefan Bajcetic was solid upon his welcome returnin the final half hour. Ben Doak at times skipped past his markers with consummate ease. Tyler Morton played his role with authority. These are just a few of the top performers on show.

Conor Bradley was my man of the match and Jarrell Quansah had a typically impressive outing – both just 21 years old.

READ: Arne Slot explains surprise formation vs. Real Betis – and why we won’t see it often!

Adblock test (Why?)

Trey Nyoni captured the imagination of supporters with his display in Liverpool’s 1-0 friendly win over Real Betis, earning praise from Arne Slot and his teammates.

Liverpool began their tour of the United States with a victory over LaLiga opposition, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring the only goal of the game in Pittsburgh.

It was a productive first runout under Slot, even without many of his most important players, with positive signs for the season ahead.

One of the standouts was Nyoni, the 17-year-old who replaced the injured Curtis Jones after half an hour, excelling as one of the deeper midfielders and playing a role in Szoboszlai’s goal.

His performance earned plaudits from the head coach, players and fans alike.

What Slot said…

[embedded content]

[embedded content]

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Slot was both effusive in his praise for Nyoni and cautious in his views on the midfielder’s development:

“I think he did really well today, but it was only an hour.

“He did well, he was one of the reasons why we scored the goal, because he turned really quickly and [played a] spot on pass between the lines, and he was also involved in the biggest chance of the second half.

“So he did well, but he just turned 17, his body has to grow – and we are really careful with him, so he doesn’t join every session, and sometimes he goes out a bit earlier.

“You can see his quality, but you can also see his body still needs some time to grow to play a Premier League level. But he showed some interesting things today.”

And in an interview with LFCTV, the head coach expanded further:

“I think this started off with a player that came in that speeded up the game for us a lot.

“He found these players in between the lines a lot of times, and I think that’s the quality we need in those No. 6 positions, to find players like him.

[…]

“I said [in the pre-match press conference] I’m not going to name any youngsters that caught my eye, but if you see that he comes in after 30 minutes for Curtis, you could expect that I meant him!

“He did really well today, I think he just turned 17, so his body is not grown yet, he needs some time to get stronger and hopefully he will be a bit taller as well.”

What the players said…

Speaking to LFCTV after the game, Szoboszlai made it clear that the senior players in Liverpool’s squad are similarly impressed.

“For sure [he has a massive future]. I like him a lot, he’s a really offensive player,” the Hungarian said.

“I just said on the bench to Quansah, you can’t even foul him, because he’s just so [quick], his movements and stuff.”

On Nyoni’s role in the buildup to his goal, Szoboszlai said: “It was a good pass from Trey, it’s important that the sixes see us and use us also.”

What the fans said…

It’s actually incredible how composed Trey Nyoni is in midfield at 17. Knows the type and when to play the pass, when to release the ball and when to play his way out of trouble. Brilliant to watch so far. What a talent.

— Samuel (@SamueILFC) July 27, 2024

Trey Nyoni was very impressive after coming on. He knows how to break lines with his passes and handles himself really well in tight spaces. The wow factor, though, is how he leaves opponents in the dust by just changing direction with his one-touch receptions. Hard to handle.

— Maxi (@MaaxiAngelo) July 27, 2024

Nyoni, who only turned 17 a month ago, has come on here and probably been our best player.

You can tell when some players have it and he’s one of them.

— Laurie (@LFCLaurie) July 27, 2024

Trey Nyoni, I’m standing up in my living room and giving you a standing ovation.

What. A. Performance

— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) July 27, 2024

??????? Trey Nyoni completed 42/46 passes vs Real Betis and 1/1 dribbles. 

He looked so composed in possession – a really impressive performance from the #LFC youngster. pic.twitter.com/eIowZtg2SJ

— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) July 27, 2024

Clearly, it is important not to go overboard when it comes to the performance of any player in a pre-season friendly – and certainly not a 17-year-old with little first-team experience.

But there is a palpable excitement around Nyoni’s potential, and his early forays into the senior setup show exactly why.

Hopefully he can maintain this throughout pre-season, with bigger tests to come against Arsenal, Man United and Sevilla, before Slot makes any judgement over his immediate role.

Adblock test (Why?)

Arne Slot and Dominik Szoboszlai were in complete agreement after Trey Nyoni’s impressive display in Liverpool’s first pre-season game on their tour of the United States.

The Reds beat Real Betis 1-0 in Pittsburgh to give Slot his first win as head coach since taking over from Jurgen Klopp. It was Szoboszlai’s goal during the first half that settled the scores, although it’s Nyoni that has a lot of fans talking after his performance.

The 17-year-old was introduced after the half-hour mark as a replacement for the injured Curtis Jones, and the youngster certainly did not look out of place. Nyoni was involved in the move that led to Szoboszlai’s goal, and he continued to look confident in an eye-catching display.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Real Betis reaction and Anthony Gordon latest update

READ MORE: 5 things learned vs Real Betis as Harvey Elliott plays new Liverpool role and Trey Nyoni shines

His performance has got fans more than a little bit excited, and he even caused Slot to break one of his promises when discussing his players during the tour.

"I said yesterday that I'm not going to name any youngster that caught my eye but if you see that he comes in after 30 minutes, you could expect that I meant him," Slot said post-match.

"He just turned 17 so his body is not grown yet and he needs some time to get stronger. He found a lot of players between the lines and the biggest chance we had, it was a great pass from him."

Nyoni starred in a substitute appearance on Friday (Image: Twitter/X)

Slot wasn’t the only one impressed. Szoboszlai also sung Nyoni’s praises after the game, with the midfielder left stunned by his performance while watching on from the bench in the second half.

"I like [Nyoni] a lot," Szoboszlai added. "He is a really offensive player. I just said on the bench to [Jarell] Quansah, you can’t even foul him because of his movements and stuff like this.

"Everybody saw in the second half, Nat [Phillips] was a center-back but otherwise everybody was young and almost none of them were 20. But they still did a good job, didn’t concede a goal and had chances. So yeah, a good future."

Liverpool.com says: You never want to set your expectations too high after a pre-season game, but Nyoni certainly looks the part. He has been catching the eye for a while, and it came as no surprise to see him earn a place in the squad for the tour to the US.

Fans might have to be a bit patient with him – we’ve seen with Stefan Bajcetic that it’s not just a simple case of throwing him in at the deep end as he still has a lot of developing to do. The signs are very encouraging though.

Adblock test (Why?)

Arne Slot admits it is too early to speculate on the severity of Curtis Jones's latest injury

Arne Slot admits it is too early to speculate on the severity of Curtis Jones's latest injury

Arne Slot fielded a makeshift 4-4-2 formation in Liverpool’s opening pre-season win over Real Betis, but the head coach explained it won’t be a regular feature.

The Reds kicked off pre-season with a 1-0 victory over Betis in Pittsburgh, with Slot deploying his side in a 4-4-2 formation from the start.

That meant Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones – until he was replaced by Trey Nyoni due to injury – were the deeper midfielders, with Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho out wide while Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai were strikers by proxy.

It worked out, with Szoboszlai scoring the only goal of the game in his role as an attacking No. 10, but it was clear this was a forced setup.

In his post-match press conference, Slot was asked whether his system was out of necessity, and the head coach agreed.

“During the season you will see us play with a real striker, but at this moment we have no one available,” he explained.

“Then with Dom and Harvey we’ve got two No. 10s, so we put them in the position they will play during the season as well.

“That was one of the reasons why we played with a double 10 instead of with a striker.

“That is maybe out of necessity, but for the rest, the style of play, with trying to build out from the back, that is our style.

“Not concede constant counter attacks…”

[embedded content]

[embedded content]

“To control the game, to not concede constant counter-attacks, that will hopefully be our style during the season.

“There were also, of course, many things we can improve, but that’s normal after two weeks.”

Liverpool remain without Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo as they enjoy breaks after their involvement at Copa America and the Euros respectively, while Jayden Danns was ruled out of the tour due to injury.

Diogo Jota has joined the squad in Pittsburgh but will not be expected to play a major role until later in the summer as he gets back up to speed.

That means supporters could see Szoboszlai deployed further forward again when the Reds face Arsenal in Philadelphia in midweek, with the Hungarian reflecting on his role in an interview with the club’s official website.

“Yeah, it’s a little bit different compared to last year, but we are ready to do everything,” Szoboszlai said.

“I think that’s the goal we want to do. So, if Harvey drops on one side, I’m going to the middle, and if I’m dropping on the other side, Harvey is coming to the middle.

“I don’t know if it’s going to be like this in the season but until the manager wants us to do this then probably we’re going to do this.

“Against the ball especially, we had to do this job with Harvey like if he goes, I cover his back, and exactly the same in the other way. It’s a lot of running, but [I got the goal].”

Adblock test (Why?)

The 2024 Paris Olympics could offer a big hand in helping Liverpool find their next superstar as Arne Slot looks to make his first summer signing, with several quality players on display in France

The 2024 Paris Olympics could offer a big hand in helping Liverpool find their next superstar as Arne Slot looks to make his first summer signing, with several quality players on display in France