Arne Slot, recently appointed as Liverpool’s head coach, has shared valuable observations about Tyrell Malacia of Manchester United, drawing from their shared history at Feyenoord prior to Malacia’s transfer to Old Trafford in 2022.
Slot, who stepped into Jurgen Klopp’s role at Liverpool on Monday, had once issued a candid caution to the defender regarding a particular element of his play.
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While he commended Malacia for his ability to energize the team when necessary, he also highlighted Malacia’s propensity for a somewhat lax approach to ball possession.
“When we’re behind he is typically the player to try and force the issue, or to ignite a spark with a run or a tackle,” Slot shared with Dutch outlet Bleed Orange. “[But] I do see him taunt opponents a bit too much.”
He added: “He almost shows too much of the ball, to get them to bite. At times, it’s too much. He looks a bit complacent, arrogant even, at times. I talk to him about that.”
Tyrell Malacia’s tenure at Manchester United has been marked by adversity, notably a series of injuries following his move for £13 million. The 24-year-old defender has been sidelined for the entire season due to a knee operation he underwent last summer.
In the season prior, Malacia participated in 22 Premier League matches for United, of which he was in the starting lineup for 14 games. Erik ten Hag, the manager of United, often gave the nod to Luke Shaw for the left-back role.
Ten Hag’s decision to recruit the promising Dutch defender was influenced by Malacia’s remarkable performance during a match between Ajax and Feyenoord.
A viral video clip after Malacia’s signing showed Ten Hag pointing out his talent to his then-Ajax assistant Michael Reiziger, saying: “That kid at left back is amazing”.
