Liverpool target Arne Slot outperforms Jurgen Klopp in three aspects as Reds encounter £13m hurdle.
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Arne Slot might be the perfect man to replace Jurgen Klopp next season (Image: GETTY)
Arne Slot would be the perfect candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool if Feyenoord’s impressive statistics are anything to go by. The Reds are thought to be keen on appointing Slot, who turned down Tottenham last year but is now said to be open to managing in the Premier League.
Liverpool were initially hoping to appoint Xabi Alonso before the Spaniard politely declined, instead choosing to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more season. It seemed like a blow at the time but it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise, with Slot looking like the ideal choice to succeed Klopp at Anfield. Slot has worked wonders during his time at Feyenoord, leading them to an Eredivisie title last season before masterminding a KNVB Cup triumph earlier this month.
The 45-year-old employs a dynamic and aggressive style of play, which is likely to go down well on Merseyside as a natural continuation of Klopp’s philosophy. Feyenoord’s defensive pressing is a particular strength of theirs, with the Dutch giants having enjoyed more success than any other side in Europe this season. They have regained possession in the final third on 722 occasions, according to The Telegraph, putting them ahead of Liverpool’s tally of 702.
The Feyenoord boss successfully employs a high-octane style of pressing football (Image: GETTY)
Feyenoord also rank in first place across Europe’s top five leagues plus the Eredivisie for high turnovers resulting in shots with 201. Liverpool are fourth in this metric with 182, suggesting that Slot could actually improve the Reds in an area they have excelled in under Klopp. Slot also employs a high defensive line at Feyenoord as part of their bold approach to winning and retaining possession.
Their average start distance, which measures how far upfield a team’s open play sequences begin in metres, is 44.9 with Liverpool just behind at 44.4 metres. Those statistics indicate that Slot would settle in nicely at Liverpool, who have established themselves as one of Europe’s leading front-foot teams under Klopp. However, it remains to be seen if a deal can be agreed with Feyenoord, where Slot remains tied down until the summer of 2026.
Liverpool will need to pay around £8.5 million in compensation, according to Ben Jacobs, but this figure could rise to £13m depending on other backroom staff exits. He is thought to be ‘very keen’ on the move, while Feyenoord are said to be happy that Liverpool did not approach him until after their KNVB Cup triumph. It seems like the Reds might be getting the ideal man for the job, but only time will tell if Slot will be able to repeat his Feyenoord heroics at Anfield next season.
