Arne Slot is set to take over one of the biggest jobs in world football this summer: manager of Liverpool FC.
He follows in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp, a man who has restored Liverpool back to competing for Europe’s greatest honours after years in the doldrums.
Slot has had a hearty endorsement from Klopp, and shares many similarities with the German.
But Slot is a less-known quantity to many in the Premier League than Klopp was when he arrived, coming from the Eredivisie rather than the Bundesliga.
So in this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the most interesting Arne Slot managerial stats, and see what insights we can glean from the numbers.
Arne Slot managerial stats: our top 5
5. Most used player: Lutsharel Geertruida
The player used most frequently by Liverpool’s new boss is versatile Feyenoord defender, Lutsharel Geertruida.
The Netherlands international has made 127 appearances for Slot, 23 more than any other player.
It’s not hard to see why. Geertruida is a front-footed defender, key to Slot’s intense pressing setup. But he’s also skilled with the ball at his feet, scoring 16 goals and notching nine assists in his appearances under Slot.
Able to play at right-back, centre-back and even in midfield, it’s no surprise that Geertruida has already been linked with a move to Merseyside to join his manager.
4. Faith in youth
The Dutch are well-known around the globe for their nurturing of football talent, and Arne Slot is no different.
In the 2023/24 Champions League, Slot gave three debuts to teenagers, trusting them on the biggest stage.
Yankuba Minteh, Leo Sauer and Antoni Milambo all have Slot to thank for the chance to shine on Europe’s biggest stage.
Slot’s faith in youth will have been a key factor in landing the Liverpool job, as the Reds have a strong generation of young talent , such as Conor Bradley, Bobby Clark, Jayden Danns and Ben Doak.
3. Even record against United boss
Current Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag also hails from the Eredivisie, having managed Ajax to great success and sparred with Slot’s Feyenoord many times.
Ten Hag, in true Dutch fashion, never fails to speak his mind. After his unlikely FA Cup triumph, ten Hag implied that his old rival is overhyped.
He said: “Feyenoord were steady this year, but not top. PSV Eindhoven were two classes better in all areas. In terms of dominating the ball, in terms of putting pressure, in terms of intensity, you name it.”
The pair’s head-to-head record is a dead split, with two wins each in four encounters. No draws.
By adding a personal rivalry in the dugout to the already feisty clashes between Liverpool and Manchester United, we could be in for some barnstorming matches next season.
2. Strong record on debuts
Slot likes to make a strong first impression. Of the five competitions he has debuted in (Eredivisie, KNVB Beker and the UEFA Champions, Europa and Conference Leagues), he has won three and drawn two.
His sides have scored an impressive 11 goals in these clashes.
Though Slot will likely have the backing of a loyal Anfield crowd, the Dutchman will come under immediate outside pressure, and he will likely need another fast start.
1. 66% win rate at Feyenoord
Arne Slot clearly has the right profile to succeed Jurgen Klopp, but what will make or break the Dutchman’s Anfield tenure is if he wins or not.
But since his move to Feyenoord, who are a club comparable to Liverpool in their place in their domestic league, Slot has won two of every three games in all competitions, with a win rate of 66%.
Interestingly, this best’s Klopp’s 62% win rate at Liverpool. There is a big step up from the Eredivisie to the Premier League – even Erik ten Hag would admit that.
But if Slot’s methods translate well across the English Channel to an already-talented squad, Liverpool might just have found their next dynastic manager.
