Inside the engine room: Mac Allister and Szoboszlai shine light on Arne Slot's new set-up

Liverpool's midfield and, in particular, the thwarted pursuit of a new holding midfielder, has dominated discussions since the start of the Arne Slot era.

Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi had been earmarked for the role, but a late change of heart saw the Reds line up with quite familiar faces in the team during the Premier League opener against Ipswich Town on Saturday.

Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch performed the so-called 'double pivot', while Dominik Szoboszlai played as a number 10 just off Diogo Jota, who operated as the main striker.

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'A different structure'

Following the game, Mac Allister shed light on the tactical adjustments made under the new coach. In an interview with Viaplay, transcribed on the club's official website, Mac Allister described how Slot’s approach demands more positional discipline from his players.

“I think this manager asks more to stay in the position, and that's maybe like a different structure,” said Mac Allister.

Nevertheless, despite the new structure, Mac Allister noted "the principles are the same".

"We know that defensively we have to run, we have to give our 100 per cent, the last two steps are so important and that can make the difference,” he explained.

“There is a couple of changes, not much, but I think Arne can help us to be a better team.”

Some things don't change

Szoboszlai, another key to Liverpool's success at Portman Road, outlined the new formation to LFCTV, echoing Mac Allister's sentiments in describing the transition from Klopp’s approach.

“We played differently a little bit because we played with one No.6 and two No.8s, with one of the No.8s dropping as a No.6,” Szoboszlai said.

“Now we played with one No.6, one No.8 and one No.10, and I had the role of the No.10.”

Despite these changes, some responsibilities remain consistent, the Hungary captain explained.

“I think I have more offensive work with the ball, but without the ball, I still have to do my stuff anyway, so the same as last season.”

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