A deep dive into some of the tatical changes we’ve seen at Liverpool under Arne Slot in the opening Premier League games.
Liverpool fans feared the worst when Jurgen Klopp departed last summer. The German had transformed the club, bringing trophies and a high-octane brand of football that became his trademark.
In stepped Arne Slot, whose first season at Anfield was characterised by a calmer, more controlled style. The Dutchman’s approach prioritised measured possession and fresher legs in the run-in, culminating in a Premier League title.
But after a summer of upheaval, fresh attacking signings, and two chaotic opening games, Liverpool look like they’ve rediscovered Klopp’s “heavy metal” football — with all the thrills and spills that come with it.
Liverpool Tactical Changes
Early Signs Under Slot This Season
Liverpool opened with a 4-2 win against Bournemouth before edging Newcastle United 3-2 at St James’ Park in a chaotic contest decided by a 110th-minute Rio Ngumoha strike.
Both matches were emotionally charged. The Bournemouth game being the first Premier League game at Anfield since Diogo Jota’s tragic passing, while the Newcastle fixture was fuelled by the “Alexander Isak Derby” atmosphere.
Still, they exposed some tactical growing pains.
Transition Concerns
Slot’s new-look forward line has altered the balance. With Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike both preferring central, high positions, Liverpool are committing more men forward earlier in attacks.
That has created space for opponents to counter quickly. Against Bournemouth, speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher highlighted how six Reds were caught high upfield, leaving a 3v3 just seconds later.
Unlike last season’s midfield trio of Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, Wirtz and Ekitike offer less defensive cover.
The result? Liverpool are moving the ball quicker into dangerous areas, but they’re also more vulnerable in transition.
How Teams Are Exploiting the Press
Both Bournemouth and Newcastle targeted Liverpool’s press by playing wide to their full-backs. Tino Livramento and Adrien Tuffert repeatedly stretched play, pulling midfielders out of position and creating gaps centrally.
That pattern has left the Reds’ new defence exposed. Milos Kerkez is still adjusting at left-back, while Ibrahima Konate has had a shaky start too.
On the opposite side, midfielders like Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai have been filling in at full-back, making it easier for opponents to isolate them.
With Jeremie Frimpong replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s full-back pairing is brand new and heavily reliant on Virgil van Dijk’s leadership and fitness.
Depth looks thin in this area, especially after Jarell Quansah’s departure. That’s partly why transfer speculation around Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has attracted such interest.
Guehi’s stance has become clear in recent days, and as we reported, the England international only wants Anfield if a move materialises. For Slot, securing defensive reinforcements could be as important as refining the new-look attack.
Attack Still Too Strong
Despite the vulnerabilities, Liverpool’s firepower has carried them through. Ekitike has settled instantly, linking seamlessly with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. The Reds have already scored seven goals in two matches.
It echoes Klopp’s later years, where defensive frailties were offset by relentless attacking play. Liverpool may once again find themselves outscoring teams this season, even if they are still figuring out their defensive shape.
Slot’s Challenge Ahead
Liverpool’s midfield remains unchanged from last season, but almost every other line has been revamped. Slot has two wins from two, yet will be wary of how easily his side have been opened up.
For now, results are positive, but the Reds are still discovering their best version under a coach blending elements of Klopp’s chaos with his own tactical ideas.
