Arne Slot recently revealed his all-time Champions League-winning XI in an interview with Amazon Prime Video
While assembling his dream team, Slot included five Liverpool players, both current and past, demonstrating the influence the Merseyside club has had in European football. Four of these players are part of his current Liverpool squad, while the fifth is one of the club’s most iconic figures from the past.
Slot’s selections reflect not only his admiration for his current players but also his respect for Liverpool’s legacy in the Champions League. He acknowledged that other players, like Andy Robertson, might have been worthy contenders for a spot, particularly in the left-back position, but Slot was careful not to overpopulate his team with Liverpool names to avoid appearing too biased.
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
Slot chose Alisson as his goalkeeper, a decision driven by both his current experience with the player and Alisson’s crucial role in Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League triumph. “I work with him now, but even before that, he was a key figure when Liverpool won the Champions League a few years ago,” Slot explained. “Since I’ve been at Liverpool, I’ve seen firsthand how special he is, making so many critical saves. He’s been consistently outstanding, making it an easy choice.”
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
For the right-back position, Slot selected Liverpool’s academy product, Trent Alexander-Arnold. His reasoning was straightforward: “Trent has been extraordinary for Liverpool over the years. His rise from the academy to winning the Champions League speaks volumes about his quality. It’s an obvious choice for me.”
Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
In central defense, Slot emphasized the importance of Virgil van Dijk’s impact on Liverpool, particularly during their rise to European glory. “Virgil has to be in the team. His influence on the club is immense. When he and Alisson joined, it was the final piece Liverpool needed. His aerial ability, composure, and overall skill make him a perfect fit.”
Centre-back: Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
To partner van Dijk, Slot opted for Barcelona legend Gerard Pique. He noted the similarities between the two defenders, highlighting their composure, strength in the air, and ability to contribute goals from set-pieces. “Both Pique and Virgil share great composure on the ball. They’re strong aerially and can contribute to the attack with crucial goals. It’s less about differences and more about how well they complement each other.”
Left-back: Frank de Boer (Ajax)
Slot’s selection at left-back was one of his more debatable choices, as he went with Frank de Boer from Ajax’s 1995 Champions League-winning team. “I felt that someone from Ajax’s great team should be represented, and Frank de Boer was outstanding during that era,” he explained.
Defensive Midfielder: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)
In the holding midfield role, Slot picked Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, praising his tactical intelligence and understanding of the game. “Busquets’ understanding of the game was incredible. He was always quick to anticipate and find the right options before receiving the ball. A truly special player in one of the best teams in history.”
Central Midfielder: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Perhaps one of his more sentimental picks, Slot chose Steven Gerrard over other legendary midfielders like Andres Iniesta, who was once his go-to choice. “A year ago, I might have picked Iniesta, but now, as Liverpool’s manager, I feel Gerrard deserves the spot. He didn’t always play with the world-class teammates that others like Iniesta had, yet he was still so influential for Liverpool. Lifting the trophy in 2005 and his longevity at the club make him a special figure.”
Central Midfielder: Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Slot wanted to diversify his midfield and stepped outside the Barcelona-Liverpool axis by selecting Luka Modric. “Modric has been at the top of the game for so long. His consistency and ability to avoid injury are remarkable. Winning the Champions League six times speaks to his enduring quality.”
Right-wing: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
For the right-wing position, Slot selected Mohamed Salah, one of the most prolific forwards in recent football history. “It’s clear for me that Salah has to be included. Over the last eight or nine years, he has been exceptional for Liverpool, scoring an incredible number of goals and always performing at a high level.”
Left-wing: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Slot’s choice for the left-wing position was Cristiano Ronaldo, a player synonymous with Champions League success. “With Ronaldo on the left, Messi as the striker, and Salah on the right, we’re going to have plenty of goals!” Slot said with enthusiasm.
Striker: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Rounding out his forward line, Slot selected Lionel Messi as his striker. “In my opinion, Messi and Ronaldo should be in almost everyone’s all-time XI. What they’ve done for football in recent years is incredible. With Salah alongside them, this attack is unstoppable,” Slot concluded.
Slot’s dream XI is a testament to both his respect for individual brilliance and his loyalty to his current players. His selections showcase a blend of world-class talent from different eras, with a heavy emphasis on players who have had a significant impact at Liverpool.
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