Since Liverpool’s impressive start to the season, things have cooled. The Attack is not as prolific, the defence has become more permeable. Teams have begun to figure out Arne Slot’s game. How will he adapt to Liverpool’s weakness in recent games.
Early Season Shock
Few expected Liverpool to be as good as they have been.
Arne Slot’s side went on a 26 match unbeaten run in the league until they came undone at Craven Cottage this weekend.
Tactical masterstrokes such as playing Ryan Gravenberch as a ball progressing Defensive Midfielder caught many Premier League sides by surprise.
As the season progresses, teams have begun to figure out how to stop this Liverpool side.
The answer hasn’t come from the Low Block, which ultimately allows Liverpool’s technical players too much ball possession and time to create.
Liverpool’s main strength has now become their weakness, the notorious High Press.
Attack is the best form of Defence
Many sides especially those at the bottom of the league such as Everton, have attempted a Low Block. This has ultimately been unsuccessful.
A Low Block allows Liverpool’s technical players too much ball possession and time to create. Conceding even one goal usually proves to be their undoing.
Teams such as Fulham and Nottingham Forest have shown exactly how to beat Liverpool.
By employing an aggressive and physical High Press, they’ve been able to both unsettle Liverpool’s defensive line whilst simultaneously stifling any attempts at patient build up play that Arne Slot encourages in his sides.
The High Press Explained
In order for a High Press to be successful, two things must occur.
High Positioning
Paradoxically the Forwards are the key defensive players in this system.
Their high up-field positioning is key to preventing the opponents build up play and putting themselves in close proximity to the opponent in order to trigger the Press.
A possession based side such as Liverpool thrives if the opponent provides space for players such as Van Dijk, MacAllister and Trent who dictate tempo and are able to pick out a pass that unlocks defences.
The Press
A High Forward line by it’s nature closes passing lanes. This limits options when the opponent is in possession.
Limited passing options combined with the correct multi-player execution of the press applies significant pressure to the player in possession.
Pressure forces poor decision making. The resulting possession loss, often in the opponents defensive third, yield high-value offensive opportunities.
Vicious Counter-Attack
If a High Press is executed correctly, possession is overturned and an immediate Counter-Attack opportunity is presented.
With Liverpool’s main build up player being Virgil Van Dijk (highest number of total passes this season) A loss of possession then becomes absolutely devastating.
In these scenarios, Liverpool have at most have three or often less players behind the ball to stop the breakthrough.
The High Press yields Liverpool’s opposition both the best defensive and potential offensive actions.
Liverpool’s Weakness of late: The Physical Battle
Many have argued it’s fatigue, others have suggested its a lack of focus from being over 10 points clear in the League Title Race.
Whatever the cause, the weakness remains. Ever since the turn of the year, Liverpool have been second best in a large percentage of duels.
Opponents such as Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final were able to exploit this weakness.
It’s never a good sign when your desire in big games is being questioned. And Liverpool have certainly had their critics of late in this department.
Arne Slot’s ‘Stubbornness’ or simply lack of change
Life is easy when you’re winning Football games. Arne Slot is now finding out the opposite is also true.
From his flying start, to recent criticism of ‘inflexibility’, he now finds himself with a problem on his hands.
Are his players simply fatigued as he states? Well then why hasn’t he rotated and used players such as Harvey Elliott who has a proven track record over many years under Jurgen Klopp.
Tactical Rigidity
Are his tactics beginning to be figured out? Fulham have been excellent this season, but in no world should they be taking 4 points off Liverpool in the Premier League.
Marco Silva has had clear success both Home and Away in counteracting Arne Slot’s approach.
Despite Arne’s brilliant first season, sights like this are simply unacceptable at Liverpool.
Potential Solution:
Ryan Gravenberch is an excellent ball retainer and progressor of the ball. His deft turns and feints often leave opponents guessing is next move.
However, the High Press results in his complete encirclement and isolation by the oppositions forwards. One of Liverpool’s main out-balls, remains out the game in the most needed time, early build up play.
The Double-Pivot
In order to offer him support, a Double Pivot partnership could be established.
By playing Alexis MacAllister deeper, Gravenberch to the right of Defensive Midfield and Dominik Szoboszlai Central, ahead of the Double Pivot, you create triangle of passing lanes and support.
By adding another player into the Defensive Third, you prevent a man-to-man press opportunity.
The opponent would have to involve more players into their press potentially exposing themselves in the process.
Big Test for Arne Slot and Liverpool
The Premier League is, without doubt, the best League in the World.
This is not the Eredivisie, with no disrespect intended.
Teams have started to figure Liverpool out. The players who were excellent early in the season are now showcasing massively diminished performances.
Arne, in you we trust. Now please put some faith in our younger players. They’re a good bunch, they won us the League Cup on their own last year. They deserve every opportunity, and maybe you might find another Conor Bradley on your hands.
Liverpool’s weakness has becoming glaring in recent weeks. Now, it’s time to remind everyone of our strengths.
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