Fabio Carvalho has a point to prove: And he's proving it.
The 21-year-old has hit the ground running during this pre-season, netting two goals and giving Slot some thinking to do.
If Liverpool fans can pinpoint a low during Carvalho's brief stint at Anfield, it was probably his substitute appearance against Real Madrid the season before last. 6-2 down on aggregate, and fast approaching the conclusion of two minutes of added time, Klopp brought on the Portuguese youngster, who looked frustrated.
In a way, the moment summed up his struggles to fit into the squad. Alternately deployed in attacking midfield and on the left-wing, only on four occasions did Klopp give him more than 60 minutes on the pitch, which can perhaps explain Carvalho's lack of consistency.
Inevitably, Carvalho requested a move elsewhere, and was granted a loan move to RB Leipzig last summer. However, his fortunes in Saxony were grim, managing just 15 appearances and registering no goal involvements. His playing time was severely hampered by the electric form of Xavi Simons, who was competing with Fabio for a spot in attacking midfield.
As 2023 came to an end, so did Carvalho's woes. Recalled from Leipzig and sent back out on loan, he rediscovered his form at Hull City, where he joined fellow loanee Tyler Morton. Trusted by the gaffer to play directly, Carvalho switched between centre-forward and attacking midfield, often playing as a second striker.
His second loan spell of this season proved much more fruitful than the first, with Carvalho bagging nine goals and notching two assists. In an interview with the Liverpool ECHO, Carvalho said how happy he was at Hull. "You can tell that I’m happy off the pitch, which translates onto the pitch. There’s nothing I can ask for better than that", he told the ECHO.
The Reds' pre-season tour in the USA has given Carvalho even more reason to smile, with the midfielder having scored in back-to-back games. His first was a special volley against Arsenal, which was soon followed by a composed finish against Manchester United.
Despite his good form, however, there is a degree of uncertainty about Slot could fit Carvalho into the side. If he is deployed on the left, he will have to contend with Díaz, Jota and even Gakpo, after his spectacular campaign on the left wing during the Euros which saw him win the Golden Boot.
But down the middle there is a similar amount of competition, as Caravalho would have to battle with Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and his long-time team-mate in Elliott, who is having an impressive pre-season himself.
Carvalho confirmed that Slot plans, at least for now, to use him on the left, and has outlined some responsibilities that this role will bring. Speaking to the club website, he said that the gaffer "wants me to do the defensive stuff first," and added that the coaching staff "have been on to me about running in behind, not just getting it into feet."
The midfielder's sublime finish against Arsenal was certainly proof that he is learning to make runs in behind, but his defensive work has also been impressive across the three games. According to Sofascore, Carvalho made 7 defensive actions and contested 18 ground duels during the US tour, while Salah managed 3 and 17 on the opposite side.
If these early matches are anything to go by, Slot is emulating his predecessor by requiring wide players to track back and help their full-back, so Carvalho's hard yards will certainly not go unnoticed by the training staff.
Unfortunately for the Portuguese, his future in the team depends on the players around him. As is the case with any top team in Europe, Liverpool's attack is teeming with elite players who are all jostling for position.
With everyone back bar Alisson, we will have to wait and see where Carvalho places in the pecking order. Will he be first-choice on the left? Can he edge out Elliott and Szoboszlai down the middle? Liverpool's next friendly may hold some answers. They will take on Sevilla at Anfield this Sunday.