The 2024/25 Premier League triumph of Liverpool under Arne Slot was built on several factors – here are four that stand out
Liverpool are once again Premier League champions, this time in front of the Anfield faithful and under their new manager Arne Slot. Taking over from Jurgen Klopp was never going to be an easy task, but Slot has announced himself brilliantly.
Here are four key strengths that led the Dutchman’s side to Premier League glory.
1. Salah’s ruthless form
Mohamed Salah, now undisputedly one of Liverpool’s all-time legends, proved vital this season. Slot’s system gave him the freedom to operate closer to goal. As the Egyptian himself said, “I didn’t have to defend as much.”
Salah took advantage and delivered spectacularly, scoring 28 goals and contributing 18 assists in 34 games so far. He is of course Liverpool’s top scorer but also top of the Premier League’s scorer chart, six goals clear of the nearest Golden Boot contender Alexander Isak.
Salah’s sharp movements, clinical finishing and uncanny knack for appearing at the right place at the right time gave Liverpool a consistent cutting edge. In many tight games, it was he who found the breakthrough moment that wringed out crucial victories. They couldn’t have done it without him.
2. The Midfield revolution: Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai
Liverpool’s midfield under Arne Slot became a dynamic force that both defended excellently and was dangerous in attack. The trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai formed a perfect blend of physicality, creativity and tactical intelligence that blew teams away at times.
Gravenberch brought a powerful, box-to-box presence, frequently driving through opposition lines with effortless dribbles and strength. But he is also second in the Premier League in terms of interceptions (57). Only Aaron Wan-Bissaka has more (59).
Mac Allister was Slot’s deep-lying maestro, controlling the tempo, linking defence and attack with remarkable vision and composure under pressure. He also chipped in a goal or two when the moment came, as was evident in the 5-1 routing of Tottenham that sealed the title at Anfield.
Szoboszlai added dynamism and flair, pressing relentlessly off the ball and offering direct running, long-range goals, and inventive passes in the final third. The Hungarian was just an absolute beauty to watch.
Together, these men, Anfield’s musketeers, controlled games and overwhelmed opponents with relentless energy and ball control. Unlike past Liverpool midfields that were more industry-based, Slot’s trio seemed like they combined work rate with flair, giving Liverpool a new dimension that powered their dominance. Even Manchester United fans watching them must have been impressed.
3. Same high-pressing but controlled aggression
While Slot retained Liverpool’s famous pressing identity, he actually fine-tuned it. Klopp had a ‘heavy metal’ football style but now it gave way to a more controlled high press under Slot. Liverpool were more patient and less frantic, which made them even more effective.
They pressed with intelligence, more skilfully forced mistakes in key areas, and still won possession high up the pitch to spring into attack immediately like in the days of Klopp. But the refined pressing style allowed the squad to conserve energy over the season. Even though there were more games to play, there was much less burnout than before.
4. No injuries
This may be as a result of the aforementioned controlled aggression, or it could be that Liverpool were just really lucky, as rival fans have said. But there was no doubt that minimal injuries played a key part in the Reds’ success.
Arsenal lost playmakers Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard for long stretches at various points this season. Manchester City lost Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. If that had happened with Salah, for instance, it could have been a different story.
Having said that, this was a special season, crafted by a special manager, fought for by a special team, with a foundation laid by a departing legend. They stood where others stumbled.
