A deep dive in some of the tatical changes we have seen in Liverpool under Arne Slot in the opening Premier League matches.
Fans of Liverpool feared the worst when Jurgen Klopp left last summer. The German had transformed the club and brought trophies and a high-o-ocTeral Football that became his trademark.
In Steped Arne Slot, whose first season in Anfield was characterized by a quieter, more controlled style. The tackling of the Dutchman gave priority to measured possession and fresher legs in the run-in, culminating in a Premier League title.
But after a summer of revolution, new attacking signing sessions and two chaotic opening matches, Liverpool look like they have rediscovered Klopp’s “heavy metal” football – with all the tension and spills that accompany it.
Tactical changes in Liverpool
Early signs under lock this season
Liverpool opened a 4-2 victory against Bournemouth before he focused 3-2 in St. James’ Park in a chaotic match determined by a 110th minute Rio Ngumoha strike.
Both games were emotionally charged. The Bournemouth game is the first Premier League match in Anfield since the tragic death of Diogo Jota, while the Newcastle match was fed by the atmosphere of the “Alexander Isak Derby”.
Yet they have exposed a few tactical growth pains.
Transition problems
Slot’s New Look Forward line has changed the balance. With Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike prefer central, high positions, Liverpool rather commits more men in attacks.
That has created space for opponents to prevent quickly. Against Bournemouth, talk to Sky SportsJamie Carragher emphasized how six Reds were set high on the field, leaving a 3V3 only a few seconds later.
Unlike last season of Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, Wirtz and Ekitike offer less defensive coverage.
The result? Liverpool moves the ball faster to dangerous areas, but they are also more vulnerable in transition.
How teams exploit the press
Both Bournemouth and Newcastle focused on the Liverpool press by playing wide to their full-backs. Tino Livramento and Adrien Tuffert stretched the game repeatedly, pull midfielders out of position and create centrally holes.
That pattern has uncovered the new defense of the Reds. Milos Kerkez still adjusts on the left, while Ibrahima Konate also had a shaky start.
On the other hand, midfielders such as Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai have filled in at full-back, making it easier for opponents to insulate them.
With Jeremie Frimpong that Trent Alexander-Arnold replaces, the full-back pairs of Liverpool is brand new and highly dependent on the leadership and fitness of Virgil van Dijk.
Depth looks thin in this area, especially after the departure of Jarell Quansah. That is partly the reason why transfer speculation around Crystal Palace -defender Marc Guehi has attracted such an interest.
Guehi’s position has become clear in recent days and as we have reported, the International of England only wants Anfield if a movement occurs. Before lock, protecting defensive reinforcements can be just as important as refining the new attack in the eye.
Still falling too strong
Despite the vulnerabilities, Liverpool’s firepower carried them. Ekitike immediately settled and seamlessly linked to Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. The Reds have already scored seven goals in two games.
It reflects Klopp’s later years, where defensive weaknesses were compensated by ruthless attacking game. Liverpool can once again surpass teams this season, even if they still sort out their defensive form.
Slot’s challenge Vooruit
Liverpool’s midfield remains unchanged compared to last season, but almost every other line has been renewed. Slot has two victories of two, but will be wary of how easily his side is open.
The results are positive for now, but the Reds still discover their best version under a coach that combines elements of Klopp’s chaos with his own tactical ideas.
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