The Aftermath of Liverpool’s Win Over Newcastle
The aftermath and eventual calm that has arrived after Liverpool beat Newcastle at St James Park this past Sunday is seeing many Reds considering what comes next over the coming weeks and months. The excitement and euphoria have made even the most difficult supporters forget about the ongoing summer transfer window, at least for a few days. With seven points placing the Reds comfortably in 4th place in the Premier League, it represents a solid start to the 2023/34 season. The entire fan base is presumably happy with this early total.
How many points are we getting from these 5?
Few tough games here. pic.twitter.com/dRG8q1221b
— ⁴ (@TheVVDRole) August 28, 2023
The Growing Expectations
The expectations and dreams of football fans always grow exponentially after such a dramatic and sensational result. Notions of whether we can win this or that have been murmured through slurred voices, as the bank holiday weekend gave many supporters the chance to celebrate in glorious fashion.
Liverpool’s Upcoming Fixtures and Formation
It feels like our early-season stuttering is a continuation of pre-season, where Jürgen Klopp strives for the correct system, ideal patterns of play, and personnel to fit what is required. The 4-3-3 formation seems to be the best route toward consistency, given the ultimate success it has garnered in the recent past. My hope, however, is to forgo the false nine preference and adopt a more cutting-edge striker.
The 4-2-3-1 Formation: A New Hope
This would see the midfield slightly more open, therefore I would be inclined to shift to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Without delving too much into the intricacies of this shape, the fundamental plus point would be having Darwin in the central and high position we saw him in at the weekend. For a short burst of time, the Uruguayan was electric and uncontrolled.
It picks itself. https://t.co/Gp3COqjXuA
— Steve Smith (@StevLFC) August 27, 2023
The Focal Point: Darwin
A line of three and then two behind him would see him as the tip of the Liverpool spear, thereby making him the focal point of our counter-attacks. Some may say that this would relegate Mohamed Salah to a secondary role, whereas I see it as a natural evolution that requires such a modification.
The Supporting Cast
Our Egyptian King showed late in the game against the Geordies how inventive and creative he can be with a physical specimen like Darwin ahead of him. With Dominik in an attacking midfield position, he would also add power and dynamism that could see all parts prosper. The vibrant front four may also allow Alexis Mac Allister to control and recycle possession, while offering support and protection to the defence.
https://twitter.com/MrTwoFooted/status/1695850832577642629?s=20
The Depth and Rotation
As the caption above shows, the depth is most certainly there and would see rotation and variety in abundance. In creating a formula to allow the former Benfica hitman the freedom to play in behind opposing defenses, havoc and uncertainty would rise to the surface.
Looking Forward to Aston Villa’s Visit
I look forward to Aston Villa’s visit to Anfield next weekend, with our glorious German manager able to field a forward line that could rival anything we have seen before.
