Arne Slot just did two things that have never been done before at Liverpool

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Arne Slot had already made a bit of history at Liverpool.

The Dutchman became the first Liverpool manager since Gerard Houllier in 1998 to win his first game in charge when defeating Ipswich Town 2-0 at Portman Road back in August 2024.

Now – however – Arne Slot has done something no other Liverpool boss ever has in choosing not to name an Englishman in his starting XI against Atletico Madrid.

Liverpool break 418-match tradition

Before the UEFA Champions League opener even kicked off at Anfield, Slot made Liverpool history when naming a starting lineup in Europe without an Englishman.

There were four English players on the bench in the form of Joe Gomez, Rio Ngumoha, Jayden Danns and Freddie Woodman, but the selection just goes to show what a vast array of nationalities the Reds have accumulated over the years.

Liverpool fielded a Scotsman in Andy Robertson, a Hungarian in Dominik Szoboszlai, a Germany international in Florian Wirtz, the Egyptian Mohamed Salah, a Brazilian in Alisson as well as four Dutchmen in Virgil van Dijk, Jeremie Frimpong, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch.

Alexander Isak also became the first Swede to appear for Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, helping Slot – who Diego Simeone praised before the game – set another European record.

Rapid Reds set new European best

Strikes from Robertson and Salah put Liverpool 2-0 ahead after just five minutes and 32 seconds, which is the quickest the Reds have ever led a European fixture by two goals.

Before six minutes had passed, Slot – who admitted to wanting Marc Guehi – managed to put his name beside two new records in the history books.

It was a blistering start from the reigning Premier League champions, who looked fluid in attack and as if they have played with debutant Isak leading the line for many years.

Arguably the greatest disappointment for Liverpool last season was the fact they bumped into the formidable PSG so early into the UEFA Champions League campaign at the Round of 16 stage, so Slot will be hopeful of going even further after a strong display against Atletico Madrid.