Liverpool ended a below-par season in excellent form after Jurgen Klopp‘s switch to a new 3-5-2 system. This system was designed to address the team’s defensive issues, and it was effective in doing so. The system was based on compactness, with the front three covering six opponents, and the full-backs pushing up to ensure the opposition had no out-ball once the trap was sprung. In possession, the full-backs joined the narrow front three in the forward line, pushing high to provide width and crosses. In buildup a midfielder might drop deep to progress the ball, but otherwise the midfield three screened the central defenders to form Liverpool’s block of five in rest defence.
To further improve their defence, Klopp altered how Liverpool played in possession. Instead of relying on width from the full-backs, the wingers stretched opposition back lines, while the two central midfielders acted as No. 10s by pushing into the half-spaces. Alexander-Arnold inverted into midfield, giving the defensive midfielder a partner in the centre. This resulted in a 3-2-5 shape. This allowed Mo Salah to make the highest number of touches in an opponent’s box for any player in a Premier League game (20). Whenever forming their two blocks of five – the attacking block and the rest defence – most teams try to cover all five lateral quadrants of the pitch (the two wings, the two half-spaces and the centre). Liverpool instead used an aggressive front three to block off passing lanes, with the ball-side player jumping up to support.
This new system has implications for recruitment. If Liverpool revert to their old shape, they’ll be recruiting dynamic midfielders with energy and thrust. However, if Liverpool stick with this new approach, recruitment changes considerably. Targets for the double No. 10 roles still need legs to press high, but they now must also be technically excellent players who can create and finish chances. A left-footed centre back comfortable defending wide areas will be under consideration, while some expect Liverpool to reinforce the right-back position. In summary, the 3-2-5 shape switched up the team’s patterns of play in attack, whilst improving their compactness out of possession. It may prove to be the driver behind a summer of recruitment and a season of revival.