Jamie Carragher Sends Clear Message to Arne Slot Over Liverpool Tactical Tweak

Jamie Carragher has urged Arne Slot to adapt Liverpool's playing style to maximize their talented squad, emphasizing tactical flexibility amid recent discussions on formations and player roles.[1][2]

In a detailed analysis alongside Gary O'Neil, Carragher highlighted challenges in fitting key players like Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota into Slot's system. He questioned whether to bench captain Virgil van Dijk to accommodate Ryan Gravenberch or sideline Alexis Mac Allister, who's excelled since Slot's arrival. "Arne Slot will be thinking about this a lot," Carragher noted, stressing the manager's constant pressure to optimize the lineup.[1]

Carragher drew parallels to Ancelotti's success, pointing out how the Italian coach won the Champions League with Karim Benzema before shifting to Jude Bellingham as a false nine after Benzema's departure—a "completely different way of doing things."[1] He suggested Slot experiment with a back three, potentially pushing Trent Alexander-Arnold higher up the pitch to enable a front five dominance, the modern game's priority.[1][2]

Specific tweaks include positioning Alexander-Arnold wide to drift into pockets for more freedom, rather than central midfield congestion. Carragher referenced Brentford's Thomas Frank using similar tactics with Kevin Schade (from Leipzig), allowing late arrivals into dangerous areas. This could suit Liverpool's back three setup, where Alexander-Arnold hasn't fully shone at Bournemouth-inspired systems.[1]

Carragher also explained Slot's recent formations: against Inter Milan in the Champions League and Brighton, Liverpool deployed innovative setups to counter opponents. Players like Núñez must stay alert, often substituted if unproductive early, underscoring Slot's high expectations.[1][2]

Carragher's message is clear: Slot must evolve tactically to unlock Liverpool's potential, blending defensive solidity with attacking flair for sustained success.[1][2]

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