Why taskmaster Michael Edwards can help Arne Slot drive Liverpool forward

The much-heralded executive who returned to the fold with Fenway Sports Group this year needs little introduction to Liverpool fans, having played such a vital role in delivering success to Anfield during Jurgen Klopp's golden period as manager.

Then in the role of sporting director - the position now occupied by Richard Hughes - Michael Edwards was instrumental in signing some of the most important stars for the squad that won the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup, to name just the three biggest trophies.

But it's not just his impressive track record that should encourage the faithful, as supporters await the next new signing under Arne Slot - after the recent acquisitions of Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili - and just as eagerly, the resolution of three contract issues with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

READ MORE: Why a Real Madrid superstar must sign for Liverpool

EDWARDS IS LIKE "A DOG WITH A BONE"

Although Hughes is now tasked with signing players, having a man of Edwards' calibre - and character - working above him can only benefit Liverpool, if an old colleague's description of him is any guide.

Ian Graham, the former director of research at Anfield, also worked with FSG's new football CEO at Tottenham Hotspur. He has been providing a fascinating insight into the man and his methods in an interview with The Independent.

“He is quite a spiky character,” said Graham. “A unique character, shall we say.

“If he disagrees with you, [he will do so] loudly and immediately, probably with a few swearwords in there as well.

“I come from an academic background where we have serious arguments but you put your point across and show some supporting evidence, you don’t just shout ‘this is f***ing rubbish’. But behind that spikiness is because he wants to get at the truth.”

Graham added: “Of all the people I have worked with at clubs, Michael is the one who has a real appetite for understanding detail. He is like a dog with a bone, saying, ‘What about this and how does this work?’

“If he wants an answer, he wants it yesterday and will keep on at you until you have got the answer. His quote to me was, ‘At the end of the day, I believe in facts and more information has got to be a good thing.’”