Arne Slot, the highly rated manager of Feyenoord, made headlines with a bold claim during a recent interview. In a candid discussion about his football philosophy, player preferences, and the state of his current squad, Slot expressed admiration for two Manchester United players who, in his opinion, could have propelled Liverpool to a league title had they been part of the Reds’ squad.
The revelation, which has taken many fans and pundits by surprise, was even more shocking because the two players named by Slot were neither Bruno Fernandes nor Marcus Rashford, who are widely regarded as United’s top stars.
The Context Behind Arne Slot’s Statement
Before delving into the specific players named by Arne Slot, it’s essential to understand the context of his statement. Slot, known for his tactical acumen and sharp eye for talent, is a manager who values intelligent players who can function effectively in his systems. Having transformed Feyenoord into a formidable force in Dutch football, Slot has earned recognition as one of Europe’s brightest managerial prospects.
Slot’s admiration for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool is no secret. He has often lauded Klopp’s pressing style and the intensity with which Liverpool approaches matches. However, Slot also recognizes that despite Liverpool’s tremendous success in recent years, they have not been able to replicate their league title triumph since the 2019-2020 season. This, in part, is what inspired his bold claim about two Manchester United players who could have made the difference for Liverpool in their recent campaigns.
The Two Manchester United Stars Who Could Have Won Liverpool the League
In his interview, Slot did not name Bruno Fernandes or Marcus Rashford, both of whom have been key figures for Manchester United. Instead, he highlighted two players who, in his view, have qualities that would have complemented Klopp’s Liverpool side perfectly. These players are Casemiro and Raphael Varane.
Casemiro: The Midfield General
Casemiro’s impact at Manchester United since joining from Real Madrid has been nothing short of transformative. The Brazilian midfielder, widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, brings an unparalleled combination of physicality, tactical intelligence, and leadership to any side he plays for. Slot’s admiration for Casemiro is rooted in his ability to dominate the middle of the park, break up opposition play, and set the tempo for his team.
Liverpool’s midfield, while strong, has been criticized in recent seasons for lacking the steel and authority that a player like Casemiro would provide. Although Klopp has relied on players like Fabinho and Jordan Henderson in the past, neither has offered the same level of dominance that Casemiro consistently delivers. Slot believes that if Liverpool had Casemiro in their ranks, particularly during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 seasons, they would have had the stability and control needed to clinch the Premier League title once again.
Casemiro’s presence in the midfield would have allowed Liverpool’s more creative players, such as Thiago Alcantara and Trent Alexander-Arnold, to operate with more freedom, knowing they had a rock behind them to mop up any defensive vulnerabilities. His ability to shield the defense and his exceptional reading of the game would have been invaluable to a Liverpool side that, at times, struggled with injuries and inconsistency in midfield.
Slot specifically pointed out Casemiro’s leadership qualities as another reason why he would have been a game-changer for Liverpool. With players like Virgil van Dijk and Jordan Henderson leading from the back and midfield, the addition of Casemiro’s winning mentality could have elevated the squad’s confidence and focus, especially during crucial moments in the title race.
Raphael Varane: The Defensive Colossus
The second player named by Slot as a potential title-winner for Liverpool was Raphael Varane. The French center-back, who joined Manchester United in the summer of 2021, has proven his quality time and again at both club and international levels. Having won multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid and the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France, Varane is no stranger to success.
Slot’s admiration for Varane is based on his composure, aerial prowess, and ability to read the game. While Liverpool boasts one of the best defenders in the world in Virgil van Dijk, injuries to key players such as Joe Gomez and Joel Matip in recent seasons have left the team vulnerable at the back. Varane’s inclusion in Liverpool’s defense would have provided the perfect partner for van Dijk, forming a central defensive partnership that could have been impenetrable.
In Slot’s view, Varane’s experience in high-pressure situations, coupled with his calm demeanor, would have been a crucial asset for Liverpool during their title challenges. Slot highlighted that Varane’s ability to marshal the backline and make crucial interventions in key moments would have added a layer of defensive security that Liverpool sometimes lacked, particularly during their injury-riddled 2020-2021 campaign.
Additionally, Varane’s ability to play out from the back and launch quick counter-attacks would have fit seamlessly into Klopp’s high-octane style of play. His partnership with van Dijk could have been the foundation for Liverpool to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
Why Not Fernandes and Rashford?
Slot’s decision to exclude Fernandes and Rashford from his list may come as a surprise to some, but it is rooted in his tactical philosophy. While both Fernandes and Rashford are undoubtedly talented and have been crucial for Manchester United, Slot likely felt that Liverpool’s attacking options, including Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane (during his time at Liverpool), and Roberto Firmino, were already world-class. The Reds have never lacked creativity or firepower in the final third; instead, it has been the occasional defensive lapses and midfield vulnerabilities that have hindered their title ambitions.
By naming Casemiro and Varane, Slot essentially identified two areas—midfield control and defensive solidity—where he believed Liverpool could have made the leap from being title contenders to title winners. In his view, the addition of Fernandes or Rashford would not have had the same transformative effect as Casemiro and Varane could have provided.
A Hypothetical Game-Changer
Arne Slot’s bold claim that Casemiro and Raphael Varane could have won Liverpool the league is certainly thought-provoking. While it is impossible to say for certain whether these two Manchester United stars would have been enough to secure another Premier League title for the Reds, Slot’s reasoning is grounded in sound football analysis. Casemiro’s leadership and midfield dominance, combined with Varane’s defensive brilliance, would have addressed two areas where Liverpool occasionally faltered during their recent campaigns.
Whether Klopp’s Liverpool could have been unstoppable with these two players remains a hypothetical question. However, Slot’s comments offer a fascinating glimpse into how a top manager like him evaluates talent and recognizes the specific qualities that can turn a good team into a great one.