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Liverpool legend John Barnes has named two players who will shine under new manager Arne Slot. The former England international believes Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones should thrive under the Dutchman, who is more technical in his approach compared to his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.
Many were sceptical regarding the future of Liverpool after Klopp announced his decision to step down from his position. However, Slot has shown early signs that the club have a capable replacement for the iconic German manager.
The Merseyside giants have won each of their opening two games by 2-0 margins and have looked thoroughly convincing under Slot. Barnes suggested that the Dutchman's brand of football suits technical players like Elliott and Jones. Speaking on Premier League Productions, the 60-year-old said, as quoted by TBR Football:
“Well it’s not just early days in terms of the first two matches. I was on tour with them in pre-season and they were doing a lot of work technically. They’re going to be a much more technical team in midfield, not as high-energy, not as heavy metal."
He added:
“The technical players in the midfield, that is going to suit them, the Harvey Elliott’s, the Curtis Jones’, it’s going to suit them, it’s not going to be the old Henderson, Fabinho, Milner.”
Jones and Elliott were admired by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, with both players making more than 100 appearances for the club already. Jones has made 133 appearances so far, scoring 16 goals and providing 14 assists. Elliott, on the other hand, has featured 120 times for the Merseysiders, scoring 10 times and creating 15 for his teammates.
Pundit claims Liverpool superstar is unhappy under Arne Slot
Former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive-turned-pundit Keith Wyness has claimed that Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold does not look happy at the club. The creative full-back has entered the final year of his deal at Anfield and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold looked particularly unhappy when he was substituted by Conor Bradley in the Reds' 2-0 win against Brentford on August 25. He seemed to avoid Arne Slot and went straight to the bench.
Wyness said on the Inside Track podcast:
“All the signs, the rumours and the body language have suggested this could be the end for Trent at Liverpool. But it’s a difficult one. Something would have happened by now if it was going to go through this summer."
He added:
"I can understand the links with Real Madrid. But here we are with a day to go and nothing’s happened. Trent doesn’t seem happy, so something may have been turned down or there’s a negotiation going on. I’ve got no inside track, but it does seem like something is going on.”
Alexander-Arnold came through the youth ranks of Liverpool and established himself as a key player for the Reds. He has made 312 appearances for the club so far, contributing 19 goals and 81 assists on his way to winning seven trophies.
