Liverpool supporters were rocked by the news that Adam Lallana could miss up to four weeks with a thigh injury sustained on international duty with England.
This comes as a huge blow at a pivotal time, with just nine crunch games to go that could determine our European eligibility for next season and, of course, just days before Saturday’s Merseyside Derby.
The Reds are not without options in Lallana’s absence, however. Though his creativity and tenacious pressing will be sorely missed, key players can comfortably swap positions or make way for those normally held in reserve to maintain the momentum that Klopp’s side have begun to rekindle.
Here are five potential options for Klopp over the coming weeks:
1. Midfield Domination (4-3-3)
Assuming that Henderson’s back from injury, the simplest tweak to Liverpool’s starting XI involves swapping out Lallana’s Number 10 position for a third central midfielder, preferably Can in the slightly more attacking role with Henderson and Wijnaldum in behind. This allows Coutinho and Mane to continue operating on the wings while Firmino leads the line up front. When attacking, Emre can support the forwards with his bombing runs and long-range piledrivers, and can shore up the centre of the park when Liverpool have to defend/win the ball back. Lucas is also an option in this formation, as a backup at least.
2. Wide Left Change (4-2-3-1)
The second approach sees Coutinho shift centrally into Lallana’s position, making way for someone else on the left. Origi or Woodburn are the best options here as they both provide plenty of pace and like to cut inside for a pop at goal (Divock’s scored a couple of belters that way during his time). Firmino’s also played out wide on occasion this season but he’s much less effective there. Klopp will want to keep him central if possible.
3. Wide Right Change (4-2-3-1)
Similarly, Mane could move inside and gift a younger player like Ejaria or Ojo the chance to shine on the right wing, though this would likely be a ‘Plan B’ strategy for a more winnable fixture. While Sadio could realistically play anywhere across the front four, his blistering pace is best utilised on the right of the attack.
4. Lone Striker (4-2-3-1)
Origi’s starting to get a bit antsy on the bench of late, and Klopp may decide to make him put up or shut up by swapping him in for Firmino in the lone striker position for the next few games. This isn’t a bad approach really, as Origi tends to score regularly when given some sustained game-time, and is very capable at holding the ball up when needed. Firmino also does equally well in the Number 10 slot in behind the striker with Coutinho and Mane on either side, though the previously-mentioned wide left/right changes could also come into play here. I’d be surprised if Klopp didn’t use Origi a bit more in Lallana’s absence.
5. All-Out Attack (4-4-2)
The final (and probably least-likely) strategy is for Liverpool to switch to a 4-4-2 formation with Origi and Sturridge up front, assuming Sturridge returns from injury very soon, though Woodburn could also be brought in here. This allows for Coutinho and Mane to remain out wide, but puts added pressure on the central midfielders to control the game and protect their defence. The 4-4-2 approach would be a last resort for a Liverpool manager who enjoys possession football.
Anyway, those are my suggested options for a temporarily Lallana-less Liverpool. Feel free to vote in the poll below for which one you prefer.
