Tag: LIVERPOOL

Analyzing Liverpool’s tactical concerns in 2022-23

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Most Recent, Premier League, Team Analysis

It's not been the most incredible start to a Premier League season for Jürgen Klopp's Redmen, and in fact, statistically, his worst on record. The 9-0 flurry against Bournemouth and the hard-fought clean sheet to Guardiola's City serve as reminders that Liverpool are still a force to be reckoned with in the Prem. But as Arteta's Arsenal surge into form and the likes of United and Chelsea gain traction under new management, Liverpool are slowly falling behind in the top four race. With that, we break down the tactical concerns behind Liverpool's start to the 2022-23, and provide suggestions for Klopp's men moving forward. Here is our analysis!

The multiple layers of Trent Alexander-Arnold

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Fullback, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Player Education, Premier League, Wing-Back

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best right-backs in the world of football, and possibly one of the greatest the Premier League has ever witnessed. So for all the extremities that he accomplishes in attack, it becomes very normal for fan-bases across the globe to try and poke holes in his game and conjure up reasons that go against his greatness.

Why Darwin Núñez is perfect for Liverpool

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker

Preceding Sadio Mané's shock departure for Bayern Munich, Reds recruitment staff kept themselves busy preparing for the possibility of one of their infamous front three departing. Spearheaded by newly promoted Sporting Director, Julian Ward, Liverpool landed on the decision to approach Benfica's star striker Darwin Núñez, who reaped havoc when the two teams met in the UEFA Champions League earlier this year. The Uruguayan's outstanding 26-goal haul in the Primeira Liga caught the attention of clubs around Europe, putting his price tag up all the way to €80 million. Liverpool remained favourites to sign the Benfica man throughout the early days of the window, even despite competition from Newcastle and United; and Jurgen Klopp has already expressed his delight in the securement of Núñez's signature.

Why Thiago has been Liverpool’s second best player this season

by Charlie Ellis, posted in Central Midfield, Coach Education, Data Analysis, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Player Analysis

Liverpool have been utterly rampant this season on all fronts. With the strength in depth Jurgen Klopp has to offer in almost every position, the Reds look strong contenders to win each and every competition this season - going strong in the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup. With an EFL Cup win already under their belts, a historic quadruple remains in their sights with a little over a month of action to play.

Why Sadio Mane’s killer instinct makes him a perfect striker

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Striker

At the beginning of January, I, alongside many members of the footballing community, began to mentally prepare for Liverpool's life without Sadio Mane. In 'Finding the next Sadio Mane – Tactical Analysis', I selected Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku as the perfect man to replace the Liverpool legend, amidst a crowd of Luis Diaz, Emmanuel Dennis and Rafael … Continue reading Why Sadio Mane’s killer instinct makes him a perfect striker

Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool – Tactical Analysis

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Match Analysis, Most Recent, Premier League

"If Manchester City win the match, the title race is over." - every Premier League pundit in existence. Well, Manchester City didn't win the match, so what happens now? First of all, what a match. Second of all, I am of the firm belief that Manchester City thoroughly outclassed Liverpool on the day, and that Raheem Sterling should have been ruled onside from that VAR disallowed goal (surely it's too close to say clear and obvious?). But I digress. I am not here to talk about refereeing decisions. Instead, the tactics! So let's jump into it, and discuss whether or not the title race is over, or in fact, still with everything to play for.

Why Luis Diaz is perfect for Liverpool

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Most Recent, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Winger

In all of the January discussion surrounding Liverpool's front three and what might transpire in the future, Luis Diaz came out of Porto obscurity to sign for the Reds for a €45 million fee. The Colombian wing wizard has wasted no time in settling into his new team, which just so happens to be one of the greatest club teams in the world, stealing the show nearly every time he plays. Here is our analysis of Luis Diaz's start to life at Liverpool, and why he's perfect for the Reds.

How to play with a False 9 like Guardiola and Klopp

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Formations, Masterclasses, Most Recent, Premier League, World Football

Following its popular use for Vicente del Bosque's Spain at Euro 2012, the role of the false nine has continued to evolve in the modern era of the Premier League, accompanied by a shift in mannerisms, behaviors, and positional patterns of strikers on a football pitch. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have been two of the dominating forces in world football since the mid-2010s, and both have operated throughout that time without a recognized out-and-out goal-scoring striker. For any possession-based team attempting to emulate Klopp and Guardiola, deploying a false nine presents a unique and innovative way of breaking the opposition down, and reaching new levels of performance. Some tactical experts have suggested that in the future we may see a formation without a striker at all, but truthfully, we may already be there.