Liverpool fans had barely finished grumbling about Selhurst Park’s stoppage-time heartbreak when the next headline arrived: Arne Slot is already staring down another crunch test, this time in Istanbul against Galatasaray. One late goal to ruin your weekend, another European cauldron to possibly ruin your week—being a Liverpool supporter is nothing if not cardio for the soul.
Arne Slot and the Right-Back Puzzle
The right-back position has become less a slot machine and more a coin toss. Conor Bradley hasn’t convinced, Jeremie Frimpong is still finding rhythm, and Dominik Szoboszlai—yes, the actual midfielder—has somehow looked like the best defender of the bunch. According to sources, Joe Gomez might also step in, though fans probably fear more “chaos football” if he does.
Arne Slot Weighs His Midfield Options
Florian Wirtz had a go in a free role against Palace, but by halftime Slot had him back in his comfort zone. The German wunderkind is pushing to start again, though Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones are lurking like hungry understudies. Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister is still shaking off the rust, which means Wataru Endo could quietly be the most important man in red no one sings about.
Arne Slot and the Attack: Gakpo or Chiesa?
With Federico Chiesa scoring off the bench and Hugo Ekitike returning, Slot’s frontline is looking like a crowded UberPool. Alexander Isak might still lead the line, but Cody Gakpo is itching to reclaim the left flank after Rio Ngumoha’s baby steps. Oh, and Mo Salah just had a shocker. Don’t panic—he’s still Salah. Even Messi has laundry days.
Author’s Opinion: Don’t Overthink It, Arne
Here’s my two cents: Slot doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel. Pick the fit players, ride the form horses, and let Alisson do his usual act of impersonating Spiderman. Galatasaray will be loud, feral, and occasionally terrifying, but Liverpool are built for nights like this.
If Slot nails his choices, Selhurst Park will just be remembered as the punchline to a story that ends in Istanbul glory. If not, well… fans better stock up on chamomile tea.
As featured on Walkon.com
