Liverpool are in serious trouble after losing their superstar striker, Mohamed Salah. In response, new manager Arne Slot is experimenting through an increasingly wide tactical spectrum to make up for the net loss of their Egyptian international. Salah has left to join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations, meaning he could miss as many as eight games. In his absence, Slot has been looking to Dominik Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong and Antoine Semenyo. These players are emerging as big difference-makers in a young and comparatively inexperienced attacking corps.
In their last three fixtures versus West Ham, Sunderland, and Brighton, Szoboszlai moved wide right to fit into a 2-3-1 shape. He’s had quite the impact in these Euro matches individually, scoring two goals and making an assist against Frankfurt. Against Galatasaray at home, it was Frimpong again who stepped up. He utilized his absurd speed and offensive prowess to terrorize anyone on the right side of the pitch. The new manager’s approach is intended to get the best from these players and Liverpool back towards the top end of the table where they belong.
Tactical Adjustments
Slot has used different formations as to accommodate Salah’s absence. In recent fixtures, he’s moved to a 2-3-1 formation in and out of possession, with Szoboszlai almost perfectly taking on Salah’s role. This formation was utilized against notable opponents such as West Ham and Brighton, where Liverpool sought to maintain offensive pressure.
In the recent game against Galatasaray, Slot decided to use Frimpong as an attacking player, positioning him high up on the right wing. This adjustment allowed Frimpong to maximize his speed, agility and energy. Slot took into consideration Frimpong’s background as a right winger at Bayer Leverkusen. He reiterated how important it is to generate opportunity with this tactical change in tone.
“We are hoping and expecting Frimpong to create something for these two from the right side and Cody Gakpo trying to do the same off the left, with Florian Wirtz’s creativity in and around our two No 9s.” – Arne Slot
Semenyo becomes a good option, having showed versatility by playing on both wings all season long. He’s scored 29 league goals in his 100+ appearances for Bournemouth. His experience will be vital as Liverpool head into a series of important matches minus Salah.
Emphasis on Player Versatility
How various stakeholders manage to respond to Salah’s absence will prove to be the deciding factor between success or failure for Liverpool. Szoboszlai has proven adept as a dynamic third man in the attacking player. He’s still one of Slot’s favorites for the 1RW. His recent contributions serve as a reminder of why he needs to be in the lineup.
Frimpong’s top-end pace is lethal to any back line when afforded territory, especially on the break. Slot thinks that understanding how to get the most out of Frimpong’s attributes can improve Liverpool’s attacking patterns. All year he has talked about how confident he is in his players understanding that coming into the season, their roles may change.
“The thinking behind the lineup is there are not so many available, and in my opinion, if you don’t have wingers available, it’s I think the most logical thing to do to play with two No 9s.” – Arne Slot
What’s more, Semenyo’s versatility means he can be very productive from either flank. He can be found on any given day bouncing between the left and right wings. This provides Liverpool with rich flexibility as they continue through their own transition period.
Formations and Future Matches
Liverpool’s tactical approach has varied significantly during Salah’s absence. In games against Eintracht Frankfurt and Leeds Utd, Slot has tried different setups with a four-two formation. Notably, though, even that vagueness doesn’t quite answer the question of who played Salah’s replacement on the right. This ambiguous information creates an additional layer of mystery as the squad get readied for upcoming competition.
In the first half of the season, Slot expertly combined Szoboszlai and Gakpo by deploying a diamond in midfield. This demonstrates his ingenuity to scheme around his talent at the disposal. The manager’s persistence clearly demonstrates his belief that, despite the battles against rival teams, there are alternatives to ensure the future remains bright.
“I think as a team we struggled. More and more with the game plans against us… I’ve tried to find solutions, that’s my job.” – Arne Slot
With Liverpool heading into a stretch that pits them against some of the toughest competition they’ll see all season, the testing ground for depth could be brutal. Certainly the manager’s tactical decisions will be a crucial factor. Player performances are going to be equally important as they attempt to remain competitive in the absence of their star player.
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