Liverpool's Weakness: How Teams Are Exploiting Flaws in Arne Slot's Tactics
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Arne Slot’s side went on a 26 match unbeaten run in the league until they came undone at Craven Cottage this weekend.
Tactical masterstrokes such as playing Ryan Gravenberch as a ball progressing Defensive Midfielder caught many Premier League sides by surprise.
As the season progresses, teams have begun to figure out how to stop this Liverpool side.
The answer hasn’t come from the Low Block, which ultimately allows Liverpool’s technical players too much ball possession and time to create.
Liverpool’s main strength has now become their weakness, the notorious High Press.
Many sides especially those at the bottom of the league such as Everton, have attempted a Low Block.
This has ultimately been unsuccessful.
A Low Block allows Liverpool’s technical players too much ball possession and time to create.
By employing an aggressive and physical High Press, they’ve been able to both unsettle Liverpool’s defensive line whilst simultaneously stifling any attempts at patient build up play that Arne Slot encourages in his sides.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 06: Marco Silva, Manager of Fulham, clashes with Arne Slot, Manger of Liverpool (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
In order for a High Press to be successful, two things must occur.
Their high up-field positioning is key to preventing the opponents build up play and putting themselves in close proximity to the opponent in order to trigger the Press.
A possession based side such as Liverpool thrives if the opponent provides space for players such as Van Dijk, MacAllister and Trent who dictate tempo and are able to pick out a pass that unlocks defences.
A High Forward line by it’s nature closes passing lanes.
The resulting possession loss, often in the opponents defensive third, yield high-value offensive opportunities.
If a High Press is executed correctly, possession is overturned and an immediate Counter-Attack opportunity is presented.
With Liverpool’s main build up player being Virgil Van Dijk (highest number of total passes this season) A loss of possession then becomes absolutely devastating.
In these scenarios, Liverpool have at most have three or often less players behind the ball to stop the breakthrough.
The High Press yields Liverpool’s opposition both the best defensive and potential offensive actions.
Many have argued it’s fatigue, others have suggested its a lack of focus from being over 10 points clear in the League Title Race.
The opponent would have to involve more players into their press potentially exposing themselves in the process.
The Premier League is, without doubt, the best League in the World.
This is not the Eredivisie, with no disrespect intended.
Teams have started to figure Liverpool out.