Arne Slot's Liverpool Midfield Pecking Order Looks to Have Finally Changed After Burnley Decision - Opinion

In a telling team selection against Burnley, Liverpool manager Arne Slot appears to have reshuffled his midfield hierarchy, signaling a shift in preferences amid the Reds' challenging season.[4]

The article highlights a notable exclusion from the starting XI, providing insight into Slot's evolving midfield thoughts. With Liverpool sitting fourth in the Premier League on 35 points after 21 games—trailing leaders Arsenal by 14 points—the focus has narrowed to securing Champions League spots while competing in Europe and the FA Cup.[2] Their form has dipped, ranking 11th in the first-half table, 7th in the second-half, and struggling with just one point from losing positions (19th).[2]

The Burnley match decision underscores Slot's tactical tweaks. Traditionally reliant on midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones to cover right-back duties due to injuries—such as Conor Bradley's season-ending knee issue—Slot has now prioritized other options.[3] This comes alongside his public dismissal of Calvin Ramsay as a right-back choice, stating he has "better options" despite Ramsay's solid showing against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. Slot's pecking order places Jeremie Frimpong and even Joe Gomez ahead, relegating Ramsay to fifth choice.[3][5]

This midfield adjustment suggests Slot is experimenting amid broader squad concerns. Whispers of a "lack of support" from the hierarchy, including transfer chief Richard Hughes blocking moves, fuel speculation about Slot's future, with Xabi Alonso eyed as a potential replacement should tensions boil over.[2] The Burnley lineup hints at a new order favoring versatility and reliability, potentially sidelining underperformers to stabilize the engine room.

While not transformative, this change reflects Slot's pragmatic response to injuries and form slumps, aiming to reignite Liverpool's campaign before it's too late.[1][6]

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