Arne Slot's Tactics Are Holding Liverpool Back
A breakdown of Liverpool's recurring structural issues under Arne Slot, why the current shape exposes the midfield, and how a simple tactical adjustment could get the Reds functioning again.
A Structural Issue at the Heart of Liverpool's Decline
Liverpool's current problems stem far more from structure than from individual mistakes. There have been poor performances here and there, but the most concerning part is how similar the defeats look. The patterns repeat, the goals conceded follow the same script, and the issues consistently point towards one thing: formation and tactical setup. This is the area Slot must address if the team are to regain control of matches in any meaningful way.
What makes this even clearer is that Liverpool continue to dominate large spells of possession in most defeats. The data shows they create chances, apply pressure and move the ball well, yet still look structurally vulnerable. That contrast between possession and defensive exposure highlights deeper tactical shortcomings rather than simple bad luck.
Comparisons With Villa and Real Madrid Expose the Problem
When you study how Liverpool lined up against Aston Villa compared with Real Madrid, the differences are stark. The issue sits squarely in the midfield structure. Slot appears determined to make a 4-2-3-1 work, even though several players are being pushed into roles that do not suit their strengths. The shape leaves the wingers high and wide on the touchline, while the defence and midfield sit too deep. This hands the opposition control of the central areas and creates huge distances between Liverpool's lines.
The result is predictable. Liverpool dominate possession but struggle to create anything meaningful in the final third. They lose the ball, and the opponent plays two quick passes through a stretched midfield before racing in on goal. It keeps happening because the system invites it.
A More Suitable Shape for This Squad
If I were Slot, I would shift back to a system that reinforces the middle of the pitch rather than stretching it. A lineup of Alisson, Robertson, Van Dijk, Konate, Gomez or Jones, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Ekitike and Salah could give Liverpool far more control.
Using a diamond midfield would allow the full-backs to step into play more naturally while creating consistent overloads in central areas. The aim would be simple: get the ball to Wirtz and Salah at the corners of the box rather than isolating them on the touchline. This would tighten distances between units, help regain possession more quickly after turnovers and stop opponents from winning second balls so easily. A compact, intelligent midfield structure would immediately remove much of the vulnerability that has plagued Liverpool for weeks.
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