Arne Slot 'has an idea' who his best holding midfielders are - but is still weighing up options

Liverpool's pre-season friendlies may now be over, but that's not to say that new head coach Arne Slot has made up his mind about his best team.

Speaking at a press conference after Liverpool’s friendlies against Sevilla (4-1) and Las Palmas (0-0) at Anfield on Sunday, the manager admitted that he is yet to work out his best team, especially in the pivotal holding midfield area.

So far, since replacing Jurgen Klopp, Slot has experimented with several different players in the role during pre-season, including Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, he acknowledged that the decision is not straightforward.

More assessment still to come

“I have quite a good idea which player suits there, at this moment, in my opinion, best,” Slot explained.

“But like I said, we are only one week working together with some players. So, sometimes you feel, ‘Oh, this is the best No.6,’ but then the combination with the other two might maybe not work out that well.”

The uncertainty reflects the broader challenges Liverpool faces as they prepare for the Premier League opener against Ipswich next Saturday.

Slot emphasised that pre-season is about evaluating the best line-up, and he is not rushing into a decision. “It’s not to say that the ones who played today will play next week or the weeks after,” he said.

“We are still in a situation where we are constantly evaluating which is the best team for us.”

A crucial position

The so-called 'number six' position, critical for dictating play and shielding the defence, has been a focal point for Slot as he integrates new ideas into the squad.

With just a week before the Premier League season kicks off, Slot’s comments suggest that the decision on who will anchor Liverpool’s midfield is still open — especially against the backdrop of the club's widely reported pursuit of Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.

Regarding the prospect of further squad reinforcements before the transfer window closes, Slot remained cautious but open to possibilities. “I think as a club like we are, we are always looking if we can strengthen the squad,” he said.

“But it’s not so easy... if we can and if we think it’s possible, we will strengthen the squad.”

A work in progress

The Dutchman also acknowledged that the team remains a work in progress, with room for improvement as they prepare for the Premier League campaign.

“We have to improve day by day,” he said. “I think we saw today in both games a lot of good things but I can make a big list also of things we have to improve.”

The former Feyenoord manager also shared his experience of leading Liverpool at Anfield for the first time, describing it as a special moment.

“That’s always nice, no matter which team you lead.

“If you lead a team with 60,000 fans that are also constantly behind the team...those are always games to look forward to, and I got a taste of it today.”