Paul Merson names the two players Liverpool must keep for Arne Slot

Liverpool must hold on to two key players over the summer to help Arne Slot when he arrives at Anfield, says Paul Merson.

Feyenoord manager Slot is all but confirmed to take over from Jurgen Klopp when the German leaves Liverpool at the end of the season.

It’s a daunting prospect for the 45-year-old, not least because he’s following Klopp’s successful nine-year spell in charge, but also has never managed outside his native Holland.

It’s a huge leap and a risk from the Reds, who are prepared to back their new manager in the transfer market to help mold the playing squad to his liking.

But there is speculation that several key stars could leave the club before Slot’s tenure begins, including the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Virgil van Dijk.

Salah has been continuously linked with a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League and Merson believes Liverpool should resign themselves to their fate in that regard, but urged the Reds to keep two players no matter what.

“I think Mohamed Salah will go to Saudi Arabia this summer and Arne Slot will have a huge task on his hands to replace the Egyptian’s goals if he ends up leaving,” the Arsenal legend told Sportskeeda.

“A lot of managers and backroom staff from the Jurgen Klopp era will also be on their way out, so the Dutchman has his work cut out for him.

“However, they need to keep Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker as these players form the backbone of their backline.”

Captain Van Dijk is still regarded as one of the best defenders in the world and has been central to Liverpool’s success under Klopp, as has Alisson, although the goalkeeper has struggled with injuries of late.

Van Dijk has been linked with a surprise move to Bayern Munich but the 32-year-old insists he is “happy” at Anfield and wants to help Dutchman Slot settle.

The centre-back said: “I think Slot is one of the best Dutch coaches at the moment. With the way he plays and the philosophy he has, he can be a manager at Liverpool.’

For now, the Reds are aiming to end Klopp’s reign on a high, starting with a trip to Aston Villa on Monday night in what will turn out to be a close encounter between third and fourth in the table.

“Aston Villa play Olympiakos tonight (Thursday) and have to overturn a 4-2 deficit for a place in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina,” Merson added.

“Liverpool will come out and try to open the game up because they are not playing for anything, so I think this will be a fun game to watch.

“It depends a lot on the atmosphere and the result of Villa’s Conference League clash, but I’m going for a 2-2 draw.”

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