Arne Slot identifies four key Liverpool players and takes Darwin Núñez’s decision

Four Liverpool players have been identified as key for Arne Slot as he takes over from Jürgen Klopp. Darwin Núñez is said to be among those earmarked as crucial to move forward.

Slot has now been confirmed as Liverpool’s new head coach, taking over from Klopp after his final game on Sunday. After the German said goodbye, his successor is clear to start work at Anfield.

Slot will officially begin his new role early next month. He will arrive after a successful spell at Feyenoord, having won the Eredivisie title last season before adding the KNVB Cup this year.

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And it seems the 45-year-old has already outlined his plans once he arrives on Merseyside. According to The Telegraph , Slot has promised to build on Klopp’s foundations, which involves identifying young players to help the team move forward.

Núñez is among those said to have been identified as “essential”. The 24-year-old has been criticized for his wastefulness in front of goal and has slipped down the pecking order following his recent form.

Not only that, but the striker has shown signs that he is far from happy with his current situation at Anfield. Núñez deleted all his Liverpool-related photos from his Instagram earlier this month as he was linked with a move to Barcelona.

However, Slot seems keen to retain the services of the Uruguay international and is said to have checked him out as one of the players he is excited to work with.

Three more players are said to have been identified as critical to the Slot’s debut campaign. Contract talks with Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are considered a priority.

The Reds want to maintain a balance between experience and youth, with the trio seen as important in maintaining that. The squad left behind by Klopp is also seen as being in good shape, with no major surgery required during the summer transfer window.

Liverpool.com says: If Núñez is indeed shown that faith by Slot this summer, then he needs to repay it. He has undoubtedly improved this season, but his waste in front of goal is far too frustrating.

As for Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold, hopefully those new deals can come to fruition. New signings will be needed in the summer, but retaining a key trio like this will be just as crucial.