After winning the Premier League fairly comfortably last season, Liverpool reinforced their squad with some of Europe’s most impressive talent. Arne Slot’s Reds spent about £416.2m on summer signings, the highest amount by any club in a single window, bringing in players like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike to Anfield. However, despite sitting third in the table, Liverpool has lost three matches in a row across all competitions. As they prepare to host Manchester United, questions arise regarding their current form and the impact of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid.
Assessing the Loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence has been felt more deeply than anticipated. Known for his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, Alexander-Arnold scored 18 goals and provided 64 assists during his tenure at Liverpool. While questions about his defensive skills have been raised, his on-ball quality and ability to create opportunities have been pivotal to the team’s success. This analysis will delve into the specific areas where Liverpool is struggling in his absence.
Challenges Against Defensive Structures
The Premier League is renowned for its highly organized defensive setups, ranging from physical high-pressing tactics to compact defensive blocks. Liverpool has found it increasingly difficult to penetrate these defenses effectively this season. A key factor in this struggle is the quality of passing and decision-making from the back line, particularly in high-press situations.
Alexander-Arnold’s capability to bypass pressure with accurate, creative passing has been sorely missed. For instance, during a match against Tottenham Hotspur last season, Alexander-Arnold’s ability to switch the play and find teammates in space was crucial in breaking down their defensive structure. Without him, Liverpool’s buildup play has become predictable, allowing opposing teams to better anticipate their movements.
The Weakness of Current Right-Backs
In Alexander-Arnold’s absence, Conor Bradley has stepped in as the right-back. However, Bradley lacks the same level of proficiency with his weaker foot. This limitation was evident in a recent match against Chelsea, where he faced a similar high-press situation. Unable to find passing lanes, he resorted to playing a safe backward pass, stalling Liverpool’s offensive momentum.
The contrast between Alexander-Arnold and Bradley highlights a significant gap in skill set. While Alexander-Arnold could utilize both feet to maintain fluidity in play, Bradley’s reliance on his stronger foot has resulted in less effective buildup and a lack of creativity in transitioning the ball forward.
Adapting Tactics: The Role of New Signings
In light of these challenges, Liverpool has attempted to adjust their tactics by deploying Florian Wirtz in deeper positions. This tactical shift aims to leverage Wirtz’s passing ability to help transition the ball from defense to attack. However, this adjustment comes at the cost of not utilizing his strengths in the final third, where he thrives in creating chances and scoring.
As Wirtz drops deeper, he sacrifices his attacking prowess, which could otherwise exploit spaces left by opposing defenses. This strategic compromise reflects Liverpool’s current struggle to adapt their game plan effectively without their star right-back.
Long Passes and Switches of Play
Another area where Liverpool has regressed is in the frequency and accuracy of long passes and switches of play. Last season, the team averaged 3.4 switches of play per 90 minutes, a figure that has dramatically dropped to 1.3 this season. The absence of a player like Alexander-Arnold, who could deliver accurate long balls, has restricted Liverpool’s ability to stretch opposing defenses and create scoring opportunities.
The need to bypass defensive blocks requires teams to employ long passes and quick switches. While Virgil van Dijk remains capable of playing long diagonal passes, the overall effectiveness of Liverpool’s defense in transitioning the ball has diminished. This has led to an increased reliance on short buildup, which is easier for defenses to nullify.
Salah’s Struggles in the Current Setup
Mohamed Salah, one of Liverpool’s most potent attackers, is also feeling the effects of Alexander-Arnold’s departure. With the current buildup tactics, Salah often finds himself playing with his back to goal. This situation limits his ability to exploit space and utilize his speed, making it challenging for him to turn and face defenders. As a result, Salah has been forced into less favorable positions, reducing his overall impact on matches.
Strategies for Manchester United to Exploit Liverpool’s Weaknesses
As Liverpool prepares to face Manchester United, the latter can capitalize on the Reds’ vulnerabilities. Under manager Ruben Amorim, United has shown flexibility in their defensive setup. By adopting a 5-4-1 formation, they can congest the central areas of the pitch, forcing Liverpool’s central defenders to handle more possession, which they may struggle to utilize effectively.
Moreover, this approach can restrict the space available for Salah and Isak to exploit. By defending deeper and maintaining a compact shape, United can minimize Liverpool’s attacking threat and force them into predictable patterns of play.
In summary, Liverpool’s current struggles can be traced back to the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose unique skill set was crucial in breaking down defensive setups. As new signings adapt and the team seeks to find their rhythm, the upcoming match against Manchester United will present an opportunity to reassess their tactical approach and address the challenges that have emerged this season.