System of Play & Lineup

• Liverpool organised in a 4-3-3 formation.

• Jurgen Klopp has made slight tweaks to his system with new arrivals. The player profiles of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones have enabled Klopp to allow frequent positional interchanges, giving Liverpool a different build-up dynamic than the previous season. Potential to be even more cohesive with more match-time.
• Liverpool preferred the short build-up vs. West Ham (West Ham’s first defence line applying little pressure). The build-up structure was very fluid and depended on the number of West Ham first-line players. If West Ham pressed with 2 players, LFC build with 4+2. If West Ham pressed with 1 player, LFC build with 3+2. Always creating a numerical advantage. Using Allison as an extra player if needed. (West Ham mostly pressed with 4+1, sometimes 3+1)
• Liverpool’s route towards goal from deep build-up was through central areas and looking to play through West Ham’s deep 4-5-1 defensive structure. Liverpool looked to overload central areas (right inverting wing-back helps facilitate) if there is no initial route through, they would look to play out then in.
• Joel Matip was a secret weapon for ball progression as he could carry possession deep into the West Ham half due to their small first-line pressure.
• Other than the two central defenders, nobody’s position was fixed. Joe Gomez looked to stretch play when building with 4+2 or will invert alongside Mac Allister, especially in the 3+2 shape. Szoboszlai looked to drop on occasions to play 2 with Mac Allister or could momentarily take up Mac Allister’s ‘6’ role. Robertson (LB) stayed deep during the initial stage of build-up. If/when Robertson looks to advanced, Curtis Jones fills in.
• Goalkeeper Allison also looks to distribute the ball quickly while the opposition are momentarily unorganised. Allison looked to exploit this, either rolling the ball to his central defenders or a direct pass into the path of an attacking forward. This often causes issues, especially if LFC win the second ball.
• Curtis Jones and Andrew Robertson have a great understanding on the left side. They constantly rotate positions during build-up and interchange during play, disrupting any man-marking. This is a different plan than last season. Curtis Jones can be more effective in the build-up, and in order to get him on the ball with time and space, Robertson advances, taking the opposition RW with him. Jones drops deep into LB unmarked and can receive.

• Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister are great on-the-ball players and heavily involved in progression. They often operate in close proximity in possession but look to counter-press after possession loss. LFC can be hurt here as neither player is a natural defensive-minded player and can leave the backline exposed.
• Liverpool were good at creating uncertainty during West Ham’s defending moments. The constant roaming of positions meant West Ham had to remain focused and careful their defensive structure didn’t break. However, losing possession means these players could be far from their defensive position.
• They looked to get 5 players in the attacking line but no fixed positions/roles. If approaching the attack down the left, Salah would hold width on the far side, with Szoboszlai in the right interior, Nunez central. The left interior and left-wing would be fluid - Robertson can overlap to hold width while Diaz moves into the left interior. Or Jones can move into the interior whilst Diaz holds the width. Jones holds width while Robertson underlaps, allowing LFC to create a wide triangle and overload.
• On the right side, there was a little less fluidity. If Salah had possession on the right, Gomez would look to make an underlapping run. Or, if Salah had possession in the right interior, Gomez would overlap, but Szoboszlai would look to support the duo. Salah’s wide positioning when the ball is on the far side is dangerous for the play switch. Szoboszlai showing he’s more than capable of switching play.

• Salah is a key in the 4th phase to unlock the opposition. Has elite off-the-ball movement to get in-between full back and CB and has great vision to spot the far runner with the ability to use the outside feet pass to find that attacking runner in transition. He looks to attack the defence with the ball at his feet. Both Salah and Diaz were outlets for a speedy counter-attack.
• Mac Allister and Szoboszlai were Liverpool’s playmakers dictating the play. Both are neat and tidy in possession, with good off-the-ball positioning to be a receiver. As mentioned, LFC can be prone to a counter-attack if either loses the ball and look to counter-press. Both looked to play through passes for the forwards.
• Szoboszlai, a dangerous interior player who simultaneously played as a ‘6’. It’s part of Liverpool’s fluid attacking structure. Has great passing range - able to play key-through passes or switch play and effective deep completions, often leading to a chance. Szoboszlai and Mac Allister are excellent at getting the ball into the final third.
• Allison effectively distributed his distribution, especially with passes beyond his own third. He is accurate with his longer distribution and reliable in getting LFC closer to the goal.