Arne Slot’s Plan for Liverpool’s Defense: A Game-Changer?
When it comes to winning titles, defence plays a crucial role. Despite the thrill of relentless attacks, a solid defence is essential for long-term success. This is a lesson Liverpool learned the hard way in the latter stages of last season. The team’s defensive shortcomings became evident, and it’s something that Arne Slot aims to address with his strategic plan for Liverpool’s defence. As the contributors at Panenka LFC suggested, this could be a game-changer for the Reds.
Liverpool’s Defensive Struggles
Liverpool’s defensive line was not at its best last season. Despite finishing with the third-best defensive record, conceding 41 goals, it wasn’t enough to compete for the title. Arsenal, for instance, conceded 12 fewer goals and still missed out on the championship. The underlying numbers also painted a worrying picture. Liverpool had the third-worst expected goals (XG) allowed compared to Manchester City and Arsenal, with 45.7 XG allowed.
One recurring issue was Liverpool’s tendency to concede the first big chance in almost every game. Burnley, Brentford, and Nottingham Forest, among others, often had the first significant opportunity against the Reds. This is reflected in their XG allowed of 13.16 in the first 30 minutes, compared to Arsenal’s less than nine and City’s around eight.
Slot’s Approach: Control and Stability
Arne Slot’s approach offers a promising solution to these defensive woes. Unlike Klopp’s direct style, Slot emphasizes control and cautious possession. “Slot is said to be a control freak,” noted one of the contributors, highlighting how Slot’s team at Feyenoord preferred circulating possession rather than risking losing the ball through aggressive moves.
Under Slot, Feyenoord ranked last in the Eredivisie for long balls attempted, highlighting their preference for working through opposition with shorter passes. This style of “defending with the ball” ensures the opposition has fewer opportunities to score as they don’t have possession. It’s a strategic shift that could benefit Liverpool significantly, especially against weaker sides.
Defensive Organization
Slot’s defensive organization is another aspect that sets him apart. His Feyenoord side conceded just 26 goals, allowing the least expected goals in the league with 26.2 XGA. The team’s defensive stability was evident in their structured play. Slot often employed a flexible formation, shifting from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 pressing structure when out of possession. This adaptability ensured defensive solidity and minimized gaps.
The contributors from Panenka LFC emphasized Slot’s physically demanding style, especially on wingers and double pivot players. These players are crucial in both attacking and defensive phases, ensuring the opposition has fewer opportunities to exploit wide areas. Feyenoord allowed the least number of crosses in the Eredivisie, a testament to their disciplined defensive play.
Set Piece Defence
Set pieces have been a thorn in Liverpool’s side, with the team conceding more goals from set pieces than several mid-table clubs. Slot’s meticulous approach could bring much-needed improvement in this area. Feyenoord conceded just five goals from set pieces, showcasing Slot’s ability to organize and prepare his team effectively.
The Future with Arne Slot
While it’s still uncertain how Slot will set up his Liverpool side, the potential benefits of his approach are clear. Slot’s emphasis on control, structured defence, and flexibility could transform Liverpool’s defensive game. As one contributor put it, “Signing a left-footed centre-back and a defensive midfielder capable of playing in a double pivot should be the main target for Edwards and his team.”
In conclusion, Arne Slot’s plan for Liverpool’s defence offers a strategic shift that could address the team’s past shortcomings. By focusing on control, structured play, and set piece defence, Slot has the potential to solidify Liverpool’s defence and make them formidable contenders once again.
