How Liverpool will operate in Arne Slot’s second season will become clearer in the coming weeks, but it already seems certain that changes are afoot at Anfield.

In many ways, alterations in playing styles became a necessity the moment Trent Alexander-Arnold knocked on Slot’s door in March and informed him of the plans to join Real Madrid.

The Dutchman has used the summer market to add more speed and penetration to the team, something that was lacking at times last term.



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Frimpong and Milos Kerkez bombing on in the full-back roles is perhaps the most obvious example, and marks a dramatic shift from Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, who have been stalwarts for the best part of a decade in the wide defensive roles.

Florian Wirtz will replace Alexander-Arnold’s creativity and provide more dynamic dribbling from central areas, as will Hugo Ekitike, when his move from Eintracht Frankfurt is rubber stamped.

While Slot is unlikely to abandon the tactics that led Liverpool to a 20th league title just a few months ago, they will probably evolve next term

That was evident already in Sunday’s friendly win over Stoke City, when the team created several chances via its rapid counters.

Darwin Nunez’s first two goals were manufactured via this method: the first when Wirtz drove through the heart of Stoke’s midfield, and the second when Trey Nyoni picked up the ball just inside his own half and, two quick passes later, the ball was in net.

Frimpong, who played the second half, then created several chances with his direct runs in behind from an attacking right wing role.

During the 128-second highlights video released by Liverpool, the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star drove down the line and cut the ball back into the box three times, resulting in scoring opportunities for Ben Doak, Luca Stephenson and Federico Chiesa, with the latter taking his chance to make it 5-0.

It may only be pre-season, but this was an early indication that Slot’s tactics will vary slightly this term.

Against AC Milan and Yokohama, when Liverpool is further along in its pre-season preparations, this switch could be even more pronounced.

Liverpool arrived in Hong Kong on Monday, with expected new signing Hugo Ekitike set to join his new teammates in the coming days - after he completes a medical in England.