“This is different to Dutch football” - Arsenal legend highlights one key improvement Arse Slot must make at Liverpool after UCL win over AC Milan
Paul Merson has warned Liverpool boss Arne Slot after his side's Champions League win over AC Milan on Tuesday night (September 17). The pundit insists the Merseyside giants must move the ball quicker.
Liverpool secured a 3-1 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro to start their European journey under Slot on a winning note. The Reds endured a difficult start after Christian Pulisic found the back of the net for the Serie A side in the third minute.
However, the visitors lead by the end of the first half, thanks to goals from Ibrahima Konate (23') and Virgil van Dijk (41'). Dominik Szoboszlai then found the back of the net in the 67th minute to seal all three points for the Anfield outfit.
Liverpool seem in great form under Slot in his debut campaign, having secured four wins in five games across competitions. However, Merson has highlighted one key area of improvement Slot must make to continue winning.
The Arsenal icon said on Sky Sports (as quoted by TBR Football):
“I just think they have got to move the ball quicker. I know people will say it’s different now with the manager, it’s slower, but this is different to Dutch football. It’s not as open, teams are going to come back, they are going to sit back behind the ball, and do a job.”
The Reds will next face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday, September 21.
Pundit names ideal candidate as Mohamed Salah's replacement at Liverpool
Tony Cascarino has urged Liverpool to sign Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo next summer if Mohamed Salah leaves the club. The pundit believes the Cameroon international would be Salah's perfect replacement at Anfield.
Salah's contract with the Merseysiders is set to expire next summer and there has been speculation over his future amid interest from Saudi Arabia. Talks over a contract extension are yet to take place as well.
Liverpool reportedly rejected a whopping £150 million bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad last September for the Egyptian forward. Should he be available as a free agent next summer, plenty of suitors would certainly line up to secure his signature.
If that's the case, Cascarino believes the Reds should pursue Mbeumo, who's off to a great start this season, having netted thrice in four Premier League games. The former Chelsea striker said:
“I remember saying to you about if Mo Salah left, Mbeumo would be the one I would have gone after. He's got so much about him, he’s got goals, he’s got durability. He's just a nuisance every time he plays.”