Liverpool tactical improvement begins with two changes that bring balance

Liverpool’s search for tactical improvement comes down to a familiar question: how do you move forward with conviction without leaving yourself exposed behind the ball?

In an Anfield Index AI Special podcast, Ben Pescod and Dave Davis examined two changes that, in their assessment, offer a possible answer. Their discussion centred on Ronald Araújo’s defensive influence at right-back and Alexis Mac Allister’s ability to give midfield greater purpose.

Taken together, the argument is about balance. Winning a challenge matters, but so does the next pass. Protecting a flank helps, but its value increases when the midfield provides reliable support.

Liverpool changes put defensive security first

For Davis, the appeal of Araújo is rooted in the fundamentals: physical strength, aerial authority and a willingness to clear danger when circumstances demand it.

“He does the ugly stuff,” Davis said. “He seems to relish the physical battle.”

That description captures the distinction explored in the podcast between Araújo and Jeremie Frimpong. One approaches the position with a centre-back’s instincts; the other offers a more attacking interpretation.

The figures cited in the discussion suggest a defensive improvement. Davis reported combined opposition expected goals of 3.06 across Araújo’s four starts at right-back, compared with 6.21 across Frimpong’s three.

Those totals require care. They cover different opponents and team selections, while a penalty and a goalkeeping mistake feature in the explanation offered for Frimpong’s figures. They describe what happened around each player, rather than measuring individual responsibility.

Nevertheless, the tactical question is clear. Liverpool need enough security behind their attacking players to prevent every lost possession becoming an emergency.

Mac Allister gives midfield movement more purpose

The second part of the discussion is just as significant. Davis argued that focusing exclusively on the right-back change overlooks Mac Allister’s contribution in place of Ryan Gravenberch.

His reasoning concerned both defensive awareness and the speed with which possession could become an attack.

“It’s not just one player,” Davis said. “It’s the combination.”

Asked what was missing from the midfield partnership of Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, Pescod identified “clear structure”.

That observation goes beyond passing accuracy. A midfield can complete plenty of passes without making an opponent retreat or helping its own defenders escape pressure.

Davis cited approximately 16.6 line-breaking passes per 90 minutes for Mac Allister, compared with 13.13 for Gravenberch. These were early figures from limited playing time, but they illustrated the quality he wanted to highlight: finding a team-mate beyond the opposition’s first line of pressure.

The distinction presented in the podcast was between advancing possession through a pass and carrying it forward. Both have value. Liverpool’s balance depends on when each is used and who remains available behind the ball.

Tactical improvement depends on connected decisions

One sequence discussed from the Bournemouth match brought those responsibilities together.

Davis described Mac Allister recovering into position to intercept a cutback late in the game, before looking forward and sending a longer pass towards the right flank.

The importance lay in the connection between the two actions. Reading danger protected Liverpool’s lead; recognising the next passing option offered a route out of pressure.

This is where changes in personnel can influence the wider team. A defender who wins the first contest needs midfielders positioned to collect possession. A midfielder who receives it needs movement ahead.

Neither role operates independently. Araújo’s physical presence and Mac Allister’s passing, in the podcast’s analysis, addressed different parts of the same problem.

Early promise still needs stronger evidence

Davis repeatedly returned to a necessary qualification: “You’re looking at trends, not conclusions.”

That caution should shape the assessment of both the players receiving praise and those facing criticism. A handful of appearances cannot establish a permanent hierarchy, particularly when opponents, match situations and surrounding personnel vary.

Pescod also raised the possibility that Frimpong was learning from the competition, pointing to greater defensive aggression against Tottenham. Improvement need not belong exclusively to those currently preferred.

For Liverpool, the encouraging idea is that tactical improvement can emerge from making complementary changes. Defensive authority creates breathing space. Intelligent positioning and forward passing help turn that security into useful possession.

Sustaining those qualities against different challenges will provide the more demanding test.