After a string of disappointing results against teams like Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea, Liverpool is facing intense scrutiny. The concerns are not rooted in effort or attitude but in the structural integrity of the team. Despite possessing technical skill and a roster filled with talent, the team’s organization appears fragile. The once-dominant Liverpool side now seems alarmingly easy to penetrate, leading to questions about the current tactical setup.
A noticeable anxiety envelops Liverpool as fans and analysts alike recognize that something has shifted fundamentally. The team that used to instill fear in opponents has lost its edge, with a decline in the precision and control that characterized the coaching style of Arne Slot. This shift has raised alarms, as a side that appeared beautifully constructed on paper now struggles to execute its game plan effectively.
Tweaking, not replacing
Arne Slot’s initial conversations with Jurgen Klopp laid the groundwork for his tactical approach. Klopp’s era was defined by intensity and belief, yet it became clear that the team was overly reliant on emotion and lacked control during moments of fatigue or poor form. Slot’s mission was to refine rather than overhaul Klopp’s framework, addressing the existing vulnerabilities while maintaining the team’s core strengths.
The recalibration of Liverpool under Slot was initially promising, as the team learned to manage games with increased discipline and composure. Slot’s strategy appeared to create a more balanced and mature side, capable of defending with intelligence rather than desperation. However, as the current season unfolds, it seems that the intended evolution has encountered significant hurdles.
The second act
This season was expected to be a natural progression from the previous one, with the introduction of players such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike aimed at enhancing the team’s dynamism. On paper, the midfield configuration appears formidable, with Ryan Gravenberch anchoring the midfield, Alexis Mac Allister providing stability, and Wirtz or Dominik Szoboszlai operating in advanced positions.
However, the reality is more complex. While Wirtz has injected creativity into the midfield, the team’s internal chemistry has suffered. The balance that once defined Liverpool’s midfield has shifted, leaning heavily towards invention at the expense of robustness. The midfield, while creative, lacks the proximity needed to maintain compactness, especially during transitions.
Numbers behind the concerns
The statistics tell a troubling story. Before the recent defeat at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool had already conceded 12 significant chances in the Premier League—more than any other top-six team. Despite dominating possession, the team allowed an alarming 5.57 expected goals against, highlighting a pattern where control is undermined by defensive lapses.
Liverpool’s xGA (expected goals against) stands at approximately eight across their first seven league matches. This data suggests that the team is not being outplayed in possession but is instead conceding high-quality chances due to a breakdown in their defensive structure. The pattern is clear: while Liverpool may control the ball, they are increasingly vulnerable to swift counterattacks that exploit gaps in their formation.
Arne Slot’s dilemma
The challenge facing Slot is not simply a matter of personnel. While Wirtz’s arrival has spotlighted existing issues, the underlying problem lies in the collective profile of the midfield. Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai possess exceptional technical abilities but share similar attacking mindsets, lacking the instinct to sense danger and close down passing lanes.
The solution does not lie in limiting Wirtz’s role but rather in establishing a more balanced midfield structure. Introducing a genuine double pivot—one player focused on advancing play and another dedicated to defensive responsibilities—could restore the compactness that Slot’s system demands. This approach mirrors the strategies that successfully defined Slot’s previous teams.
How we define control
Slot finds himself at a crucial juncture. In the immediate term, the solution lies not in transfers but in coaching adjustments. However, for Liverpool to genuinely progress, Slot may need to recalibrate his tactical design. The success of his system hinges on the inclusion of players with the right profiles to complement Wirtz’s creativity without sacrificing defensive solidity.
To maintain control, the team needs a player akin to Fabinho or Javier Mascherano—someone whose instinct is to detect danger and protect space. While the potential for success remains strong, with a squad capable of contending for major honors, the essence of control in football transcends mere possession. It ultimately hinges on the sense of security a team feels when they do not have the ball.