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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Arne Slot was still getting to know Liverpool and vice-versa when the new Reds boss greeted the media for the first time last July.

So sometimes it’s a 4-2-3-1, sometimes it’s a 4-1-4-1, sometimes we do build up with three.

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“I’m curious who told you we played 4-2-3-1?



Maybe that one should go and get his licence or analyse a bit better!”

Of course, it didn't take long for supporters to realise the very basis of Slot's formation was indeed a 4-2-3-1, with the big shift the greater onus on Liverpool to keep possession while transforming, as much through necessity as design following the collapse of the deal for Martin Zubimendi, Ryan Gravenberch into a defensive midfielder alongside Alexis Mac Allister.

And where Slot scored highly was with his willingness to adapt to available personnel, the opposition and the game situation.

Newcastle United exposed a set-piece shortcoming in the League Cup final when Dan Burn capitalised on being marked by Alexis Mac Allister - one of Liverpool's smallest players - to head the Magpies ahead on a dire afternoon during which the Reds posted one of their worst-ever showpiece performances.

But that Liverpool players have been queuing up to praise the tactical acumen of Slot this season has been telling.

So too were the comments of the head coach in April.

"Me and (Liverpool sporting director) Richard (Hughes) talk a lot about next season, and it is nice to have versatile players, players who can play in multiple positions," said Slot.

Which leads us to the current transfer window and the capture of Jeremie Frimpong in particular.

And it also opens up the possibility of Liverpool operating with three at the back with Frimpong a ready-made wing-back.

Then there is the deal for Florian Wirtz, which is now close to being completed as Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen thrash out the finer details regards the value of add-ons.

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Wirtz is expected to start as an attacking midfielder but is capable of featuring on either flank and, given his ability to win back possession high up the pitch and ability to link play, could also play as a false nine.

And the introduction of the 22-year-old in his regular number 10 role would also free up the versatile Szoboszlai to be employed elsewhere, adding another option for Slot.

The Liverpool boss has already proven himself one of leading proponents of tactics in the game.
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