With the Premier League season rapidly approaching, Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces significant tactical dilemmas, notably highlighted by a recent chaotic 4-2 preseason defeat to AC Milan. Despite the isolated nature of preseason outcomes, the Reds are poised to integrate approximately four new starters into their squad. Having clinched the Premier League title last campaign but fallen short in cup competitions, Liverpool has already brought in several key players and may further bolster their ranks, amidst speculation surrounding Alexander Isak and persistent links between Luis Diaz and Bayern Munich.
Should Luis Diaz depart, Liverpool`s prospective starting lineup for the upcoming season could feature:
Predicted Liverpool XI:
- Alisson
- Miloz Kerekez
- Virgil Van Dijk
- Ibrahima Konate
- Jeremie Frimpong
- Ryan Gravenberch
- Alexis Mac Allister
- Dominik Szoboszlai
- Florian Wirtz
- Hugo Ekitike
Integrating such a significant number of new players in a short timeframe presents a considerable challenge, especially since many excel in roles that diverge from Liverpool`s traditional 4-3-3 formation. While Gravenberch offers midfield-defense versatility, the optimal positions for several new signings suggest a potential tactical shift towards a 3-4-3 system for the Reds. The critical task for Slot, amidst an intensely competitive Premier League, is to make the correct tactical adjustments swiftly, as Liverpool enters the season with high expectations and anticipates tougher competition from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City.
Sustained success in the Premier League demands continuous adaptation, placing even greater pressure on Slot this season compared to the last. After succeeding Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool was initially expected to take a step back. However, Slot`s effective system propelled them to the top of the league by January, a position they maintained throughout the second half of the campaign despite fluctuations in their own form.
This season, with Liverpool`s tactical intentions becoming clearer and Trent Alexander-Arnold having moved to Madrid, the onus of chance creation will shift further forward. Florian Wirtz is capable of fulfilling this role, though at Leverkusen, he primarily operated as a dual `number 10` to maximize his involvement in offensive plays.
Last season, Liverpool rarely deployed a traditional number 10, and it appears this trend might continue, given Wirtz`s starting position as a striker against Milan. Playing so far advanced could isolate him, potentially hindering the team`s creative output. While expectations for Wirtz are significant, he is only 22 and cannot shoulder the entire creative burden alone. This highlights the crucial need for Slot`s tactical adaptations. With substantial investment made to maintain Liverpool`s elite status, the immediate challenge for Slot is to implement the necessary adjustments swiftly.
