Paul Merson names the two players Liverpool must keep for Arne Slot

Arne Slot is set to become Liverpool’s new manager (Photo: Getty)

Liverpool must hold onto two key players over the summer to help Arne Slot when he arrives at Anfield, Paul Merson says.

It is all but confirmed that Feyenoord manager Slot will take the reins from Jurgen Klopp when the German leaves Liverpool at the end of the season.

It is a daunting prospect for the 45-year-old, not least as he is following Klopp’s very successful nine-year spell in charge, but moreover he has never managed outside his native Holland.

It’s a huge leap and a risk on the part of the Reds, who are prepared to back their new manager in the transfer market to help shape the playing squad to his liking.

But there is speculation that several key stars could leave the club before Slot’s tenure begins, including the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Virgil van Dijk.

Salah has continually been linked with a big money move to the Saudi Pro League and Merson believes Liverpool should be resigned to their fate on that matter,but has urged the Reds to keep two players no matter what.

‘I think Mohamed Salah goes to Saudi this summer and Arne Slot will have a huge task on his hands to replace the Egyptian’s goals, if he ends up leaving,’ the Arsenal legend told Sportskeeda.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been linked with Bayern Munich (Photo: Getty)

‘A lot of coaches and backroom staff from the Jurgen Klopp era will also be on their way out, so the Dutchman has his work cut out for him.

‘They have to keep Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, though, as these players form the spine of their backline.’

Captain Van Dijk is still considered one of the best defenders in the world and has been imperative to Liverpool’s success under Klopp, as has Alisson though the goalkeeper has struggled with injuries of late.

Alisson has struggled with injuries this season but is still considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world (Photo: Getty)

Van Dijk has been linked with a surprise move to Bayern Munich, but the 32-year-old insists he is ‘happy’ at Anfield and wants to help fellow Dutchman Slot settle in.

The centre-back said: ‘I think Slot is one of the better Dutch coaches at the moment. With the way he plays and the philosophy he has, he can be a Liverpool coach.’

For now, the Reds are aiming to finish Klopp’s reign on a high, starting with a trip to Aston Villa on Monday night in what is set to be a close encounter between third and fourth in the table.

‘Aston Villa play tonight [Thursday] against Olympiakos and need to overturn a 4-2 deficit for a spot in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina,’ Merson added.

‘Liverpool will just go out and try to open up the game as they aren’t playing for anything, so I think this will be a fun game to watch.

‘It largely depends on the atmosphere and the result of Villa’s Conference League clash, but I’m going for a 2-2 draw.’

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