Liverpool analysis: Ajax star Jorrel Hato could be the solution to Arne Slot’s problems
Liverpool have been by far the most active team in the transfer market this summer, having already spent a huge £180million on some highly anticipated players.
Most notably, Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong have made the move to Merseyside, alongside Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth.
While current stars Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who both signed new deals in April, are coming into the latter stages of their careers, the Reds are heading towards a season of change.
With that in mind, Arne Slot may also look to deploy a different style of play next season.
Jorrel Hato, a versatile defender plying his trade for Ajax in the Eredivisie, could be the man to help the Liverpool boss do just that, and Transfer News Blitz writer Joe Matthews has looked at why.
Why do Liverpool need to change?
Could wholesale changes be set to take place at Anfield next season?
Considering the Reds have just won the Premier League, you may be asking why one might argue that change is needed - and you would not be wrong.
While van Dijk and Salah are both entering the back end of their playing careers, it seems reasonable that a change of role could be necessary to mitigate the physical toll required of them.
Accompanied by the fresh faces that are not necessarily perfect fits for those they are replacing, it means perhaps a change in formation could be the way forward.
Real Madrid new boy, Trent Alexander-Arnold, was replaced by Frimpong, who will still be on a career high himself after winning three trophies in two years.
Whilst both defenders are regarded as highly attacking full-backs, the way in which they deploy their output differs drastically.
Alexander-Arnold became famous for his high-output passing play, which he utilised when moving into a more central role alongside Ryan Gravenberch when the Reds had the ball.
On the other hand, the Dutch newcomer likes to stretch teams by staying as far wide and forward as he can during transition.
This could be the first sign of a potential tactical change by Slot, as the 24-year-old would occupy similar areas to Salah further up the pitch.
Could Liverpool play a back three with Jorrel Hato?
Jorrel Hato is one of Europe’s brightest prospects.
As Frimpong operates almost as a right-winger at times, it could see Salah move into a more central right-forward role next season.
However, with the number of players committed forward, it could leave Liverpool very open at the back.
This is where a back three could be useful, hypothetically shifting right to transition into a back four with Kerkez dropping in at left-back.
A shift in defence would also alleviate van Dijk from much of the running that the 33-year-old was forced to do last term to cover for Andy Robertson.
With Kerkez offering another attacking presence from left-back next season instead of the Scotsman, whoever is deployed as the left-sided centre-back could be in for a highly intense and energy-sapping campaign.
Hato would slot into the role perfectly, having operated in the left-defensive area last season.
The 19-year-old still has plenty of time to grow into a more mature and consistent player under Slot, who is said to be a huge admirer of the Dutchman.
Liverpool and Chelsea have both been linked with a move for the defender this summer, and for a price of just under £30million, he could prove to be an absolute steal.
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