Liverpool Tactical Analysis

An Imperfect Marriage Between The System & The Players At Liverpool FC

Klopp’s Liverpool are currently experiencing a turbulent time in terms of results, and fans are understandably becoming frustrated with the same defensive issues reoccurring regularly to deny Liverpool deserved wins. However, even though these issues appear to occur so repetitively, it still seems difficult for many to pinpoint the precise problem and identify exactly...

Tactically Breaking Down Liverpool’s Draw At Newcastle

Regular readers, you may have noticed that I did not write any tactical pieces for either of Liverpool's games against Leicester City, or the Spartak fixture. Sorry about that, I had some technical issues - nonetheless, I'm back now, and hope to continue with these pieces throughout the season. Like in Liverpool's previous games, against...

Tactical Breakdown of Liverpool’s draw against Burnley

Liverpool's draw against Burnley was an intensely frustrating affair, bearing the hallmarks of Liverpool's troubles during the 2016/17 league campaign, and several preceding it. Liverpool dominated with the ball and had 35 efforts yet only created one 'big' chance, and Burnley were actually the closest to scoring, as Liverpool, again, switched off defensively for a set-piece. However,...

Liverpool 2-2 Sevilla: A Tactical Breakdown

A promising, but so too a very much frustrating match, Liverpool's long-awaited return to the Champions League group stage was disappointing, as from doing the hard work - having to come from a goal down - to then dominating the game, the team once again threw away what should have been three points, instead...

Man City 5-0 Liverpool: A Tactical Breakdown

A brutal decimation unbefitting of a club like Liverpool, but one handed out nonetheless. I usually enjoy reviewing the game and scrutinising key points within it, but this was anything but enjoyable. In fact, only on my second and third viewing did I fully comprehend what a truly abysmal performance it was. For this analysis, I'm...

Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal: A Tactical Breakdown

After a dominant display against Hoffenheim, Liverpool were starting to look something like the team that did so well for the first half of the 2016-17 season. Whilst Liverpool have a good record, of late, against Arsenal and the rest of the top six, there are few games that get fans so excited and worried...

Liverpool 4-2 Hoffenheim: A Tactical Breakdown

Anfield, under lights, with a European fixture: the stage was set. Klopp's Liverpool did not disappoint, with perhaps the best team performance of the calendar year, Liverpool's attacking play was simply breathtaking, as the team dispatched Hoffenheim over the first 20 minutes. With the same midfield as the first-leg, and the first league game of...

Analysing Gini Wijnaldum’s Disappearing Act

After having a fairly decent debut season and scoring numerous meaningful goals, Gini Wijnaldum has developed a decent reputation amongst Liverpool fans thus far. Gini's first season playing under Klopp resulted in a return of 6 goals and 9 assists in the Premier League as well as strong performances in the so-called 'big games'...

Liverpool 1-0 Crystal Palace: A Tactical Breakdown

After a late Watford equaliser, Liverpool's Premier League campaign was yet to really get going. A tie with bogey-team Crystal Palace hardly eased nerves, especially as reports of Coutinho's continued unhappiness, and rumours of a knock to Sadio Mané had fans on edge. Nonetheless, the performance was distinctly different to the Champions League first-leg...

Hoffenheim 1-2 Liverpool: A Near Perfect Night?

It was hardly going to be an easy night. Liverpool were away, in their first Champions League game under Klopp, to perhaps the toughest side available in the draw, Hoffenheim, who had not lost for over a year at home. Alongside this, there was the ongoing Coutinho situation, whilst two of Liverpool's best offensive players...