Liverpool’s $44m ace could be Arne Slot’s key lieutenant in bid to maintain Feyenoord’s style of play

Liverpool’s performance in their 2-0 loss to Everton was very disappointing. It may not have mattered, but it was a shame that the Reds were denied the use of two players who had been in good form.

The final goal in Liverpool’s 3-1 win at Fulham last weekend was assisted by Cody Gakpo and scored by Diogo Jota. However, neither appeared at Goodison Park; the first when her partner went into labor, the second after suffering another injury.

Whether they would have made any difference against Everton, we will never know. But with the Reds negotiating with Feyenoord in the hope of appointing their manager, Arne Slot, to replace Jürgen Klopp, Gakpo’s performance at Craven Cottage showed he could be an asset to his fellow Dutchman if he were to take charge at Anfield.

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Feyenoord’s playing style is not identical to Liverpool’s, but there are clear parallels. The most important thing is the ability to counterattack, to win the ball high up the field with the aim of launching an immediate attack.

According to Opta Analyst, this season Slot’s team has generated 11 league goals from high turnovers, which are defined as “sequences that begin in open play and begin 40 meters or less from the opponent’s goal.” Of the traditional top five leagues, apart from the Netherlands and Portugal, only Manchester City and Stuttgart have scored as many times using this method in 2023/24.

Feyenoord have been able to accumulate these goals as they are exceptionally good at winning the ball back in the attacking third. According to Fotmob, he has done it 6.9 times per Eredivisie game this season, the most in the division. Liverpool averaged 7.6 in 2021/22, but have otherwise been below this mark for the last seven campaigns.