According to The Athletic, when interviewing for a new manager in the summer, the club highlighted three players who needed assistance to get back to their high levels following a disappointing end to the season.
The trio in question were Ibrahima Konate, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, all of whom have been in top form across Liverpool’s opening three Premier League wins.
While the time spent with each player has been limited, as the season has only just begun, Slot has identified key areas of improvement and instilled his confidence in their ability to play at their best for an extended period of time.
Slot’s one-on-one coaching is key to success
Towards the end of last season, Virgil van Dijk was often partnered by Jarrell Quansah, who was selected ahead of Konate as the exhaustion of a long campaign began to take its toll on the Frenchman.
But following numerous meetings with the under-performing player, Slot has recognised Ibrahima's ability to defend set pieces with his tall frame and use his extra yard of pace to defend counterattacks.
As a result, this has led to Konate being favoured over Quansah, with his greater experience being another integral part of starting strongly.
Likewise, Szoboszlai finished last season looking somewhat burnt out, but following some successful man-management meetings with Slot, the Hungarian has looked hungrier than ever in a dynamic no. 8 role, tracking back when necessary and driving up the pitch to support the forwards.
Lastly, in perhaps the most impressive transformation of all, Ryan Gravenberch now has a defined role in the team.
The Dutchman has excelled as the Reds’ most deep-lying midfielder, keeping Wataru Endo out of the side with some dynamic displays that have allowed Alexis Mac Allister to roam as a proper no. 8,
Gravenberch’s extra time spent with familiar coach Jonny Heitinga from Ajax has undoubtedly been a success, with the player looking transformed from last season, as he impressively fills the role that Liverpool hoped Martin Zubimendi would occupy.
During his Anfield tenure, Jurgen Klopp was often hailed as an elite man-manager, working with players closely to get the best out of them. Now it seems that Liverpool have found another one, with Slot also proving his ability to improve individuals while driving the team forward.
0 Comments