Liverpool’s summer business suggests a change in system is in store, and the links to Roland Sallai fit that narrative.
Arne Slot inherited a squad from a manager with a similar footballing philosophy, but also quite a different approach.
He is now putting his own stamp on the team, which you see from signings like Florian Wirtz and two elite strikers. Neither of those profiles were common in the Klopp era.
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Reports claim Liverpool have contacted Sallai over a potential move from Galatasaray, and it does suggest the system we have been envisioning for this Liverpool side is indeed on the cards.
Roland Sallai and Jeremie Frimpong point to Arne Slot’s plan
Sallai was shortlisted by Liverpool as a potential emergency signing in January when Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong were sidelined.
To be honest, I had never heard of him before then.
But there must be a reason why the Reds are reigniting their interest for the summer, and I have a solid theory.
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You may remember Liverpool’s decision to sign Frimpong was subject to widespread scrutiny given his profile. He’s an attacking wing-back, bordering on flat-out attacker, which didn’t make much sense for Slot’s back four.
Jeremie Frimpong celebrates after Liverpool's second goal against Marseille in the UEFA Champions League match at Stade Velodrome
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Well, Sallai is another right-sided player who is as comfortable in the first line of attack as he is in the last line of defence. He plays both positions regularly for Galatasaray, offering the same rare versatility as the Dutch Liverpool star.
Looking over on the other side, Milos Kerkez was at his best at Bournemouth when he was flying up the wing, and that’s where he has looked at his best for Liverpool — when he’s been given license to do so.
Add Sallai to the mix, and that’s depth in a specific wing-back profile that is not compatible with a right-winger. That screams a shift to a back three with two high-flying wing-backs providing the width, right as Mo Salah’s career is winding down.
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Mohamed Salah shakes Arne Slot's hand as he comes off during Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Creidt; Getty Images/Liverpool FC
And that’s what we already wanted Liverpool’s new system to look like, opening the door for a Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak strike partnership. Wirtz sits in behind them, and all of a sudden, you can see a vision of what the coming years might look like.
It would be a massive tactical adjustment for both Slot and the players, but that has to be what this recruitment is aimed toward.
Otherwise, I don’t know what they’re doing.
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