I was Arne Slot’s captain at Feyenoord - this is why Liverpool players will love him

Feyenoord captain Gernot Trauner is confident that Arne Slot will be a hit within Liverpool’s dressing room given the characteristics he showed in Rotterdam.

Slot - who will officially begin his role on June 1 - is thought to have been partly chosen to be Jurgen Klopp’s successor due to his charisma and his relationship with players. Trauner testified to this by admitting it “hurts” that the 45-year-old has left for Anfield, albeit understands his decision.

Klopp built strong bonds with his squad members at Liverpool, many of them lifelong, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk both visibly emotional during the German’s farewell send-off on Sunday.

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Eyes will be on Slot to see how well he can gel with Liverpool players amid the natural comparisons with his predecessor. However, Trauner - who played 104 games under Slot - has no worries about his ability to get the players on side.

“He has a very good feel for what he has to tell the team in meetings, how he has to treat people, and whether he has to tickle someone,” Trauner said to Flashscore.

“He is of a very, very high level. I can definitely imagine that things will also go very well for him in the Premier League.”

Trauner described Slot and Liverpool as a “perfect match” and outlined his attention to detail when it comes to tactics and match play. The 31-year-old added: “He was a very important factor in me coming to Feyenoord and has always relied on me.

“He’s a tremendous specialist and has incredible ideas in terms of ball possession, build-up play and positioning. A lot of detail in running and passing. There is no pass without an idea behind it. He tries to move the opponents and find open spaces.”