How Liverpool can alter tactics to change Premier League fortunes
By Bence Bocsak
The mood around Anfield is dire. Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp have plummeted into a deep gaping abyss. Right now it seems impossible to get out of the cavernous hole they are in. One thing is certain things must change if they are to be successful in the Premier League again.
What’s coming their way is predictable. Teams have found out a way to hurt Klopp and his men. By camping and deploying a low-block against them with quick counter attacking play the Reds have been exposed.
With Klopp lacking creativity and the Reds no longer having the centre-backs who are capable of dealing with rapid counter attacks against them, the German boss could make a few fundamental changes within the squad to overturn the club’s fortunes.
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The number one priority is to fix the goal-scoring issue and to add creativity to the midfield. Klopp has tried to reinject some of that through Shaqiri or Thiago but neither have worked well enough to help the Reds break their goal-scoring duck.
Liverpool must change something very quickly.
The most creative player at Klopp’s disposal is Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the German should think about shifting him higher up the field into the midfield three.
It’s a gamble that could pay off. In Trent Alexander-Arnold’s place, Klopp could deploy a more defensive minded right-back. Someone like James Milner or Neco Williams who will stay back and cover to thwart any potential counter attacks. Even Oxalde-Chamberlain has played in the position.
Meanwhile with Trent playing further up the field he could become the Reds Kevin De Bruyne and potentially break-down defences to a devastating effect. It is a role not entirely alien to Trent Alexander-Arnold. Up until 17-18 he was still playing as a central midfielder in the club’s academy.
He definitely has the work-rate too and the energy for the press. Imagine him and Naby Keita behind Diogo Jota, Salah and Mane when they are all fit and sharp and raring to go.
On top of that Trent Alexander-Arnold has the shooting range to cause trouble from distance and he could definitely unleash that more often in midfield.
It is a risky gamble but one Klopp might want to take a look at.
City have benefitted from not committing two full-backs forward this season. It might be time for Klopp to make the same alteration.
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Would you like to see Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield?