While discussing Liverpool’s successful period under Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot explains why James Milner and Jordan Henderson were so important.
Liverpool’s midfield has undergone significant change in recent seasons, with Curtis Jones the only remaining member of the title-winning Klopp team.
How much longer should Liverpool persevere with Curtis Jones?
Surely there are better options out there in the market…
Curtis Jones lines up ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro (Getty Images/Photo Agency).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Photo Agency
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When we talk about those hugely successful years, those working in the engine room often don’t get the credit they deserve.
Slot wants to give a pair of Liverpool greats their flowers.
Arne Slot laments loss of James Milner and Jordan Henderson with ‘culture’ claim
A recent sit-down with Slot, Richard Hughes and Billy Hogan gave us plenty to dissect. Slot discussed Liverpool fans’ frustrations with the style of football and his desire to play the right way.
The conversation then shifted to the side that won a Premier League and Champions League under the Dutchman’s predecessor, and the players who made it all happen.
Liverpool FC v Real Madrid: Round of 16 Leg One - UEFA Champions League
Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
On the latest edition of The Reds Roundtable, Slot remarks: “If I think about Liverpool, their most successful period in the last 5 to 10 years, then I think about Bobby Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, because they’ve scored goal after goal after goal.
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“But if I’m in the building and I’m talking about that period of time, I hear two other names constantly, and that’s James Milner and Jordan Henderson. That’s also things you’re looking at that you have the right mentality, people who know what the culture is.”
He goes on to stress the importance of leadership and things that don’t fall under individual quality, but that make all the difference with regards to what a team can achieve.
Milner and Henderson were model professionals who embodied the kind of work ethic and hunger that Liverpool fans love.
Liverpool’s new leaders
Losing players with so much experience can impact the dressing room massively.
With Virgil van Dijk well into his thirties and Andy Robertson’s Liverpool future in doubt, a new group of leaders needs to emerge.
Dominik Szoboszlai is tipped for Liverpool captain when the time comes, and you can see the kind of influence he already has in his third season at the club.
Where will Dominik Szoboszlai rank among PL midfielders when all is said and done?
The Steven Gerrard comparisons are obvious, but what’s a realistic ceiling for the Hungarian? 👀
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates Liverpool goal
Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images
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Aside from him, no one has really staked their claim in that regard.
Slot does seem to recognise the importance of fostering those traits in his players, so it will be interesting to see who steps up.
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