Liverpool Tactical Analysis

Coutinho: The Future of Liverpool’s Number Ten

Liverpool's number 1o may not be best suited for the role of his number. The performance of Stewart Downing in the number ‘10’ position against Liverpool made a few people take note of how the personnel tasked with making that position work is forever changing in the Premier League. Examples of teams playing a quicker...

“We Are…Liverpool?”: Tactical Analysis of 2014/15 So Far

May 11th, 2014. A dejected, defeated side trundled around Anfield. A side emotionally drained, physically battered, and wallowing in their failed bid for glory. Liverpool had defeated Newcastle United that day 2-1, going behind from a Martin Skrtel own-goal in the first half which was rectified by a successive goals from two Daniels; Agger...

West Ham 3-1 Liverpool: Tactical Analysis

After the midweek game against Ludogorets, there were increased calls for Rodgers to change back to the diamond 4-3-1-2 shape that had worked so well against Tottenham. Part of this was to help give Balotelli some support up front that had been sorely lacking in both of the previous games and also to bring...

Liverpool 2 Ludogorets 1 In-Depth Tactical Analysis: Much To Improve On

Football has a funny habit of exposing almost every emotion you could ever possibly have. Occasionally, it even exposes ones you didn't know were possible for you to have. Anxiety, elation, nerves, frustration, joy, anger, hilarity; all words that could be used to describe the feeling of a fan watching Liverpool's first Champions League match...

The Build-Up Phases in Liverpool’s Diamond Formation

Since the introduction of the diamond system into the Liverpool team last season, the overall performance of the team improved radically. This article aims to look at the various build-up plays that are involved in the 4-3-1-2 system or the diamond system, as it is commonly known. The basic principle in this system is to...

Whether You’re Lovren It or Not – Analysis Of The New LFC Defence.

It has been a mixed start to the campaign for LFC.  A nervy 2-1 victory over a depleted Southampton  side, a harsh sounding 3-1 defeat to Man City & and a commanding win over Spurs at White Lane. Many positives can be taken from the opening 3 games: a sublime Henderson assist, a world class...

Rodgers’ Diamond Distraction

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but the diamond is also starting to be crucial to Brendan Rodgers and his Liverpool team. The 4-4-2 diamond formation is bringing several benefits to this Liverpool team, most notably numbers centrally and lots of distraction up top. After the departure of Luis Suarez, the additions of Adam Lallana...

Replacing Luis Suarez | A Tactical Affair

Replacing Luis Suarez, like-for-like, is impossible. The Uruguayan brought an array of unique qualities, and equally unique flaws, which can’t be replenished by the simple act of buying another footballer. Suarez will leave a void when it comes to many aspects of the Liverpool experience, including the tactical set-up, and what follows is an assessment of...

The Liverpool Midfield: A Tactical Analysis

To some, the midfield area is one which is overrated. One can look at how many goals a respective team has scored that season, and how many they kept out. Of course, while these spectators acknowledge the importance of a great middle unit, if you are substantially stronger in the first and final thirds,...

Countera-TikiTaka: The New Liverpool Way

"The front three have pace, power, movement, and I would say Liverpool might be one of the best counter-attacking teams in Europe at the moment.   "The way they suck teams in and just break on them. They run at every opportunity, so you have got to be aware of that. "I admire the football they...