Liverpool Player Unveils How Arne Slot’s Tactical Shift Has Liberated His Game

Liverpool supporters are thrilled with Arne Slot’s inaugural season as manager.

Taking over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield posed a significant challenge, but the Dutch coach has quickly adapted, leading his team to a five-point lead at the Premier League’s summit.

With nine victories from 11 league matches and a perfect four out of four in the UEFA Champions League, Slot’s successful start is evident.

Even though Klopp left behind a strong team foundation, Slot has made notable changes to the lineup, implementing a different formation and style of play.

Fans have noticed a stronger emphasis on controlling possession, with Liverpool having more ball control than their rivals in eight of the eleven league games played.

Additionally, Slot has reconfigured the midfield, commonly utilizing Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in a dual role at the heart of the team’s play.

Mac Allister, who spent a significant portion of last season as a solo defensive midfielder, shared insights on how the added support has transformed his play style.

“In the past, particularly under Jurgen, my role was more of a standalone defensive midfielder, focusing primarily on defense,” Mac Allister explained in an interview with the Liverpool FC website.

“Now, with two defensive midfielders, I have more freedom to advance, and when we start with two sitting midfielders and one slightly more forward, it changes dynamics.

“When the ball gets to the left-back, I can push forward, allowing Ryan [Gravenberch] to stay deeper.

“There’s been a slight shift in the system, but the core principles remain. The significant change is perhaps developing patience for longer possession intervals, which helps us dominate games and increase goal-scoring opportunities.”

Despite Mac Allister’s shift toward a more offensive approach this season, he has yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League, having scored five goals earlier in the 2023/24 season during his first campaign at Anfield.

He ranks third in Slot’s squad for progressive passes in league matches, totaling 47, and fourth for creating shot opportunities, contributing with 27.