Arne Slot’s Liverpool is a superb example of what Kop sang as Xabi Alonso.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool is a superb example of what Kop sang as Xabi Alonso. The opinion of Xabi Alonso is of considerable significance, as he has followed up a career that has made him one of the most decorated midfielders of his era by becoming arguably the preeminent young coach of European football.

Therefore, it is a statement that is worth considering when the manager of Bundesliga ‘Invincibles’ Bayer Leverkusen refers to his former team Liverpool as “one of the best, if not the best in Europe.”Alonso may also be correct, you know. After winning 13 of his first 15 games in command of the Reds since taking over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer, Arne Slot led the new-look and revamped European Cup with four consecutive Champions League victories. In fact, it is reasonable to conclude that Alonso was not merely paying lip tribute to his former club on Monday night when Liverpool annihilates their visitors with a sensational second-half performance, as they did here to secure a 4-0 victory over the champions of Germany.

This was the most impressive performance of the campaign for the new leaders of the 36-team Champions League table, a season that is becoming increasingly cluttered with them. Leverkusen’s reputation and position in the game have been significantly improved by their manager in the past year; however, they were treated with a level of disrespect in the second half of this match as the Reds erupted.

The attendees were astounded. When Liverpool’s schedule is evaluated in the coming months, it is crucial to consider the extent to which this simplifies the situation for the second half of the new European format.

Given that Real Madrid and Lille will be playing at home, followed by visits to Girona and PSV, Slot’s early progress enables them to adopt a more selective thought process, change, and chop in order to navigate their way to the knockout stages while maintaining their domestic momentum. The breathing space may still be essential, as it is a delicate balancing act.

The evidence to support Alonso’s assertion inside the bowels of Anfield on Monday night is compelling, as he is currently at the top of the Premier League, the Champions League, and has a quarter-final of the Carabao Cup to anticipate. What is the extent to which this Liverpool team can advance under Slot’s leadership? The initial months have provided a tantalizing view into a future that is exceedingly thrilling. Presently, consistency is paramount.

Alonso also expressed his admiration for the redevelopment of Anfield since his playing days ended here over 15 years ago. The 2005 Champions League winner had much to admire on his Merseyside return, as the Main Stand and the Anfield Road now contain over £200m in infrastructure. Nevertheless, Anfield’s capacity to manipulate games remains unchanged from his time in midfield. The supporters’ exceptional performance in the stands was instrumental in the team’s victory after an hour of largely inconsequential play, during which both teams had repeatedly neutralized each other.

The match was a compelling, if not particularly thrilling, affair due to the absence of any genuine opportunities in the first half. Liverpool was unable to penetrate Leverkusen’s three-man defensive system, while Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk maintained a close ship at the other end.

In the opening exchanges, Leverkusen’s formidable army of Piero Hincapie, Edmond Tapsoba, and Jonathan Tah at the back was not significantly affected by the decision to rest Darwin Nunez and leave the formation without a recognized No.9. It was the second time in a week that Slot was required to field a team without a genuine striker, following the Carabao Cup victory at Brighton, as Luis Diaz led the charge in Nunez’s absence.

Diaz’s impudent dink over Lukas Hradecky was stuck away with the ease of a recently retired international playing Soccer Aid against celebrity in a pair of gloves.

The stunning ball from Curtis Jones that cut Leverkusen’s defense to ribbons was given the finish it truly deserved, despite the fact that it appeared to be a tactical tweak that was yielding little in return for an hour. And, similar to Saturday, Liverpool scored a second goal shortly after the commotion was generated in response to the elevated temperature at Anfield during the second half against Brighton.

This time, Cody Gakpo scored his fourth goal in six days, this time from a cross by Mohamed Salah. Diaz secured a 3-0 lead by deflecting a Salah cross past Hradecky, who appeared to be perplexed by the crimson whirlwind that had been unleashed in his direction. Diaz, a Colombian international, completed his first Reds hat-trick when substitute Nunez’s effort was blocked directly into his path, bringing his season total to nine.

Alonso’s side had not suffered an away loss in 18 months, dating back to April 2023 when they were defeated by Bochum. Although this record is unquestionably a testament to their quality and the managerial prowess, they were unable to respond to Liverpool’s ferocious performance. The Kop’s decision to sing for the opposition manager was made with genuine warmth and reverence as the clock ticked toward 90, and it was devoid of any traces of irony. However, any notions that they still harbor a dream of

Alonso taking a seat in the home dugout here have been extinguished by the stunning start made by the coach who was actually given the job. One day, perhaps, but not in the near future. Slot is currently the focal point, and for good reason. Therefore, is Liverpool truly the most dominant team in Europe at the moment? The astute observation of Alonso is undoubtedly corroborated by the league tables.