Liverpool’s new coach Arne Slot provided an interesting hint at his plans for the team during their unofficial pre-season opener against Preston. The match ended in a 1-0 loss for Liverpool, but the result was not the focus for Slot and his staff. Instead, they were concerned with the players’ fitness levels and the patterns of play displayed.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the game was the inclusion of 18-year-old Ben Doak as a left winger. Doak is typically a natural right winger, but he showed promise on the left during the match. He was involved in one of the brightest moves of the game, cutting inside from the left and setting up Conor Bradley for a chance on goal.
This decision to play Doak on the left wing could provide two clues about Slot’s plans for Liverpool’s attack. Firstly, it suggests that Slot will favor a 4-3-3 formation with wingers who tend to cut inside rather than drive to the byline. This tactical approach was a staple of Slot’s previous teams, AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord. By having inverted wide players, Slot’s attackers can deliver crosses to the far post or create scoring opportunities for their teammates.
Slot’s use of inverted wingers was exemplified by Igor Paixao and Luka Ivanusec at Feyenoord last season. These players excelled on the left wing, providing numerous expected assists for their team. This style of play also allows the wingers to shoot themselves, which benefits players like Mo Salah on the right. It also suggests that Cody Gakpo could be a key player on the left wing, given his impressive performances for the Netherlands at the Euros.
Additionally, playing Doak on the left could indicate that Slot has plans for him to be part of Liverpool’s left-wing evolution. While it remains to be seen whether Doak will stay with the first team this season or go out on loan, his inclusion in the stronger starting XI against Preston suggests that he is higher up the pecking order than other young players like Kaide Gordon and Lewis Koumas.
It’s important to note that Slot’s decision to play Doak on the left wing may have been influenced by the absence of key players like Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Diogo Jota, who are all left-sided options. However, it still offers a glimpse into Slot’s plans for the team moving forward.
Overall, Liverpool’s unofficial pre-season opener provided some interesting insights into Arne Slot’s tactics and potential plans for the team. The use of inverted wingers and the inclusion of Ben Doak on the left wing suggest a more dynamic and versatile attacking approach under Slot’s leadership. It will be exciting to see how these tactics develop over the course of the upcoming season.