Liverpool’s preparations for the new season are now well underway on Merseyside.
The Reds still have plenty of players out of action who are either away on holiday or with their countries.
But for those unburdened by international football of any kind, their first pre-season under Arne Slot is already in motion.
With so many of the Liverpool squad still away, it’s a chance for the new head coach to run the rule over some of his lesser-heralded stars.
Given that he’ll have several weeks longer to work with the current group than those returning late, there’s a chance some could force their way firmly into Slot’s plans at Liverpool and overtake others in the process.
Steve Nicol urges Diogo Jota return
Liverpool have seen quite a few of their players go deep into the international tournaments this summer.
Nine Reds are in the semi-finals of the Copa America and Euro 2024. Factoring in third-placed play-offs, they’ll end up going as far as they possibly can into the summer.
With the Reds usually allowing for three weeks off following the conclusion of any football, that will put the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Ibrahima Konate and the English and Dutch cohorts out of action until the first week of August.
One player who is set to arrive 10 days or so earlier is Diogo Jota. Having been knocked out of Euro 2024 in the quarter-finals, Jota is already on his holidays.
It was not a particularly memorable tournament for the 27-year-old. After playing second-fiddle to a clearly over-the-hill Cristiano Ronaldo, Ian Wright thinks Jota will be disappointed with how things went.
READ MORE: What insiders at Liverpool have already noticed about Arne Slot’s coaching team
Someone who seems to echo that view is Liverpool legend Steve Nicol. Speaking on ESPN UK, Nicol says Jota should give up his summer break to come back and ensure his spot at Liverpool.
“If I’m Diogo Jota I’m going straight to the training camp, I’m not having a break,” says the former right-back.
“For two reasons: One, you want to get in the team, you want to get into the starting XI, you want to be one of the three that we think is going to be playing up-front. But he’s also missed a lot of last season. So, fatigue or anything like that isn’t going to come into his thinking.
“If I’m him as soon as I can I’m getting my boots and I’m getting myself down to Anfield and making sure that I start training and start showing this guy [Arne Slot] what I’m all about.”
Diogo Jota must use Liverpool head-start
This is a fair point from Nicol. Although it’s perhaps unreasonable to ask Jota to give up his time with his family, it’s undeniable that an early start back would be beneficial to him.
The former £45m signing will have a slight advantage anyway. All three of his primary rivals for a spot in the Liverpool team will arrive back later than him.
With Cody Gakpo, Nunez and Diaz all away, Jota should make use of the time and show Slot that he should be one of the first names in the attack.
In truth though, we can’t see Jota cutting short his break. It would be a big move from him and really show Slot that he means business, but we’re just not sure that it’s realistic.
If he can stay fit, Jota will back himself to get into the team head start or no head start. But the door is open to give himself an even better chance.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
