Can Arne Slot Navigate Liverpool’s Packed Fixture List? | OneFootball

Arne Slot’s Liverpool and the Rotation Dilemma: Big Decisions Ahead

With the international break coming to a close, Liverpool fans eagerly anticipate the return of club football, especially as the Reds prepare for a hectic schedule. Arne Slot, the new Liverpool manager, is set to navigate a challenging period where fixture congestion, injuries, and international duty all combine to test the depth of the squad. In a recent Big Decisions episode on Anfield Index, Dave Davis analysed key factors surrounding the upcoming games and how Slot may handle the rotation.

How Slot’s Rotation Will Shape Liverpool’s Season

One of the major talking points from Dave Davis was the rotation strategy that Arne Slot will have to adopt in the coming weeks. As Davis pointed out, Liverpool will face “three competitions in the space of a couple of weeks,” starting with a Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, followed by a Champions League trip to AC Milan, a League Cup tie, and another league clash with Bournemouth.

Davis was candid about Slot’s track record, stating, “Slot’s rotation hasn’t always been the greatest,” but also emphasized that “there’s nothing to be critical of around his start so far at Liverpool.” With such a congested fixture list, Davis believes that Slot will have to find a balance between resting key players and maintaining momentum, especially given the injuries and fatigue risks that international duty has presented. He added, “I think you can only play the game in front of you,” suggesting Slot should focus on fielding his strongest team for the immediate challenge.

Key Players Returning from International Duty

A significant portion of the podcast focused on the performance of Liverpool players during the international break. Davis highlighted Ryan Gravenberch’s impressive form for the Netherlands, noting that his “potential is fully coming out.” Gravenberch’s standout moment came in a match against Germany, where he delivered a “half-volley that goes right into his path—absolutely sensational,” according to Davis.

Trent Alexander-Arnold also drew praise for his performances for England. Davis remarked, “He’s topping so many metrics: chances created, forward passes, passes into the box.” Both Gravenberch and Alexander-Arnold will be crucial for Liverpool moving forward, but their heavy involvement in international matches also poses a challenge in terms of managing their fitness.

Davis expressed concern over the impact of the international break on players, particularly with the looming October break. “It just increases the stress load on them and makes it more difficult for Slot, Ruben Peters, and the team to keep them fit,” he said. This is where Slot’s rotation strategy will be put to the test, as he looks to keep key players like Trent and Gravenberch fresh for the long haul.

Harvey Elliott’s Injury: Who Fills the Void?

The news of Harvey Elliott’s injury was another major topic. Davis mentioned that Elliott has sustained a fractured foot and is expected to be out until late October. This injury comes as a blow to Liverpool, particularly given Elliott’s strong pre-season form and the likelihood that he would have featured heavily in the coming games.

In discussing possible replacements, Davis noted that Slot might have to look at several options to fill the void left by Elliott’s absence. “You could put four forwards on the pitch,” he suggested, highlighting Cody Gakpo as a potential candidate to play in the No. 10 role. Davis also mentioned the possibility of Tyler Morton stepping up or Curtis Jones taking on a more prominent role now that he has returned to training.