The Return of the Full-Back: Liverpool’s Tactical Evolution

In Liverpool’s recent pre-season clash against Real Betis, fans caught a glimpse of what might be in store under new manager Arne Slot. For some of us, including myself, who watched the game at half past midnight direct from a friend’s wedding reception, it was a test of endurance. Fueled by a dangerous mix of coffee and the remnants of gin from the celebration, I found myself clinging to consciousness as Liverpool edged out a 1-0 victory. But as hazy as my recollection might be, the match offered some intriguing tactical insights.

Despite the hour and the slightly wobbly state of my senses, it was clear that Slot’s first official match in charge, albeit a friendly, showcased some interesting developments, particularly in the role and behaviour of the full-backs. This could mark a significant shift from the tactical approach seen in the latter days of Jürgen Klopp’s tenure.

Tactical Foundations: Slot’s Early Impressions

The most noticeable change under Slot is the structural setup during the build-up phase. Liverpool lined up in a 4-2 formation, with the back four operating as a cohesive unit. This approach was reminiscent of Slot’s tactics at Feyenoord, suggesting a blueprint that could become a staple of his tenure at Anfield. The deployment of Curtis Jones and Wataru Endō in midfield further emphasised a structured build-up play, providing a foundation for more complex tactical patterns.

Slot’s full-backs, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas, played pivotal roles in this setup. Their positioning and movement were crucial in maintaining width and balance, especially during transitions. In an interview, Bradley hinted at a more structured build-up under Slot, a departure from the more fluid and improvisational style of the past. This new approach aims to offer greater control and stability, crucial for a team looking to regain its foothold in the Premier League.

The Evolution of Liverpool’s Full-Backs

To understand the potential impact of Slot’s tactics, it’s essential to revisit Liverpool’s previous issues with width. Under Klopp, the team thrived on the dynamic play of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, who provided the necessary width while allowing Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané to operate centrally. However, with the departure of Roberto Firmino and the arrival of Darwin Núñez, Liverpool struggled to maintain the same level of fluidity and width.

Last season, Alexander-Arnold’s shift to a more central role and Robertson’s occasional forays into a centre-back position altered the dynamics. This change led to a congested midfield, with the team often lacking the necessary width to stretch defences. Slot’s early experiments suggest a return to a more traditional full-back role, with Bradley and Tsimikas expected to contribute both defensively and offensively.

Against Betis, both full-backs exhibited a clear understanding of their roles. They maintained width, with one overlapping while the other tucked inside, ensuring that Liverpool always had cover in case of a counter-attack. This tactical discipline was evident in their interplay, with Bradley often advancing into the box and Tsimikas covering, and vice versa. The simplicity of this arrangement belies its effectiveness, offering a solution to the width problem that plagued Liverpool last season.

The Role of Overlaps and Underlaps

One of the standout features of Slot’s system is the reintroduction of overlaps and underlaps. This tactic was a hallmark of Liverpool’s play under Klopp, allowing full-backs to penetrate defensive lines and create scoring opportunities. In pre-season, we saw glimpses of this approach, with full-backs making intelligent runs beyond the wingers and delivering crosses into dangerous areas.

This tactical element is crucial for breaking down stubborn defensive blocks, a common challenge in the Premier League. By utilising overlaps and underlaps, Liverpool can stretch the opposition’s defence, creating spaces for forwards to exploit. Slot’s emphasis on these movements indicates a desire to make Liverpool’s attack more dynamic and unpredictable, addressing a key weakness from the previous season.

The Future of Alexander-Arnold

The role of Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a topic of considerable interest. Known for his exceptional passing range and vision, Alexander-Arnold’s shift to a central role last season showcased his versatility. However, under Slot, the demands on full-backs are different. They need to be adept at building from the back, capable of executing overlaps and underlaps, and savvy enough to cover defensively.

Alexander-Arnold possesses the technical skills to thrive in this system, but whether he will continue in a hybrid role or revert to a traditional full-back position is yet to be seen. Slot’s tactical philosophy seems to favour a more conventional full-back, which might suggest a return to the right-back position for Alexander-Arnold. His ability to influence games from deeper areas could be a crucial asset, especially in a system that prioritises patience and ball retention.

Patience and Possession: The Hallmarks of Slot’s Liverpool

Slot’s early weeks at Liverpool have been characterised by a focus on patience and possession. His emphasis on controlling the game and “killing them with passes,” as he described during a training session, suggests a shift towards a more deliberate style of play. This approach contrasts with the high-tempo, heavy metal football synonymous with Klopp’s Liverpool.

The pre-season games have shown promising signs of this new philosophy taking root. Liverpool’s midfield, under Slot, appears more composed and structured, with an emphasis on ball retention and short, controlled passes. This style requires disciplined positioning and a high level of technical proficiency, traits that will be essential as the team transitions to Slot’s methods.

Looking Ahead: The Arsenal Test

As Liverpool prepare for their next pre-season fixture against Arsenal, the focus will be on refining these tactical adjustments. The Gunners, known for their pressing and counter-attacking prowess, will provide a stern test for Slot’s evolving system. Watching the full-backs, particularly their role in both offensive and defensive transitions, will be key to understanding how Liverpool plan to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.

The early signs are promising. Slot’s approach, with its emphasis on structure, patience, and tactical discipline, offers a fresh perspective for Liverpool. The return of the full-back as a central figure in the team’s strategy could be pivotal in addressing the issues that plagued the Reds last season. As the pre-season unfolds, fans will be eager to see how these changes translate into competitive matches.

As for me, I managed to make it through to the final whistle, with the last dregs of my coffee and gin-fueled determination barely keeping my eyes open. It was 3am by the time the match ended, and I finally headed off to bed, musing over the potential of Slot’s tactical tweaks and hoping my future match-watching experiences wouldn’t require quite as much stamina and caffeine.