In the past two weeks, Arne Slot has been fully engaged in training with his Liverpool squad, focusing on getting to know his players and assessing their skills. While several key players are still recovering from international tournaments, Slot has had the chance to evaluate less prominent members of the team. These sessions have allowed him to identify potential contributors who previously went unnoticed.
One standout for Slot has been young defender Sepp van den Berg, who is eager to prove himself under new management. Slot’s keen eye has helped him recognize players who may not have shone under the previous coach, giving them a new opportunity to demonstrate their value. Curtis Jones has also praised the return of Kaide Gordon to first-team training, expressing excitement about the young talent’s potential impact on the squad.
As Slot prepares for Liverpool’s upcoming tour of America, his player preferences are becoming clearer. Notably absent from first-team training is Rhys Williams, which could signal uncertainty regarding his future with the club. This transition may present more opportunities for players like van den Berg, who could see increased playing time under Slot compared to their experiences with Jurgen Klopp. While some players may thrive in this new environment, others could face uncertain futures.
Fabio Carvalho, despite being close to leaving, still has a chance to impress Slot and secure his place in the squad. Conversely, the stability that Klopp provided may be ending for certain players, particularly center-backs Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams, who are well-liked by fans for their contributions during the challenging 2020/21 season. Klopp had previously praised Williams for his pivotal role in securing a third-place finish.
However, reports indicate that this summer could mark the end of Phillips and Williams’ time at Liverpool. Although the club rejected an offer for Phillips, Williams seems to be in a more precarious position, having missed first-team training. The 23-year-old defender might need a fresh start elsewhere as pre-season progresses, with Slot’s decisions clarifying his vision for the team and identifying players ready to contribute.
For those coming up through Liverpool’s academy, there’s still time to prove their worth to the new coach. Yet for Williams, it increasingly seems his tenure at the club is coming to an end. At 23, he may face the need to reset his career to regain essential playing time.
Having risen through Liverpool’s ranks, Williams now confronts the emotional difficulty of possibly leaving a club that has been significant in his development. His journey has included challenging loan spells at Swansea, Blackpool, Aberdeen, and Port Vale, emphasizing the necessity of finding a stable environment to revive the form that earned him 19 appearances for the first team.
As Slot continues to assess his squad, the futures of players like Williams become more evident. The focus remains on those who can impress and secure their spots in the new setup, while others, like Williams, may need to seek opportunities beyond Anfield to advance their careers.
