A LOOK AT ARNE SLOT’S POTENTIAL EXCITING 4-3-3 FORMATION- NEW ROLE FOR MO SALAH ALTERNATIVE ?

A LOOK AT ARNE SLOT’S POTENTIAL EXCITING 4-3-3 FORMATION- NEW ROLE FOR MO SALAH ALTERNATIVE ?

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As Liverpool’s highly successful Jürgen Klopp era has ended, incoming manager Arne Slot will mostly continue the primary philosophy and tactics from his predecessor with a few tweaks of his own. Even though, Slot has favoured the 4-2-3-1 formation previously, he will most likely maintain the Liverpool’s now familiar 4-3-3 formation, especially as the current Liverpool squad doesn’t have a number 10. Slot’s approach will surely bring some fresh nuances to Liverpool’s style of play.

One of the most noticeable changes under Slot will be in Liverpool’s build-up play. While Klopp’s Liverpool often favored direct, vertical passes to break lines quickly, Slot’s approach leans towards a more patient, possession-based style.

In possession, expect Liverpool’s shape to morph into a 2-3-5 formation. The center-backs will split wide, with Trent Alexander-Arnold inverting into midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister to form a double pivot. This setup, atypical of the latter years Klopp system, allows for better ball circulation and provides an extra passing option in the center of the pitch.
Full-back Dynamics: No major changes to roles

Alexander-Arnold’s role will evolve further under Slot. While he has already been playing as a central midfielder under Klopp, Slot’s system will see him positioned as an additional midfielder more consistently during build-up phases with more contribution in maintaining possession.

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Andy Robertson, on the other hand, will have the flexibility to either invert into midfield or push high up the pitch, depending on the game situation. But just like under Klopp, expect the Scotsman to be wide and high up on the pitch when Liverpool have the ball.

Midfield Structure: Increased Fluidity with more restraint

Slot’s midfield will likely demonstrate increased positional fluidity compared to Klopp’s more defined roles. Mac Allister may continue as the deepest midfielder, but with more structural support around him. Dominik Szoboszlai and Endo will be given license to push forward and create overloads in attack, with one potentially dropping deeper when needed to maintain midfield balance. This fluid midfield structure contrasts with Klopp’s system, which often relied on a more rigid division between the defensive midfielder and the two more advanced ‘8’s.

Attack: Mo Salah as the False 9?

In the forward line, Slot’s system emphasizes the importance of wingers staying high and wide. This is where there is a potential conflict with Mohamed Salah’s role which under Klopp allowed him to operate in half-spaces and constantly be in the box to offer a goal scoring threat.

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By playing Salah as the False 9, Slot can have him lead the line, but also ask him to drop deep at times to create space for runners from midfield. His movement will be crucial in Slot’s system, which emphasizes creating and exploiting space more methodically than Klopp’s direct, counter-attacking style. Cody Gakpo’s tremendous form in the Euros will mean that he will take the left attacking spot. The right attacking spot is open at the moment if Slot does decide to switch Salah’s role.

Predicted Starting XI and Formation

Slot is likely to retain Liverpool’s 4-3-3 formation, but with some tweaks in its functionality:

arne-slot-formation-liverpool

While Arne Slot’s Liverpool will maintain some familiar elements of Klopp’s successful system, it will introduce new tactical concepts that could reshape Liverpool’s playing style. The emphasis on possession, positional play, and structured pressing represents an evolution rather than a revolution of Liverpool’s tactics. The success of this new system will depend on how quickly the players adapt to Slot’s ideas and how effectively he can integrate Liverpool’s talented squad into his tactical framework