Tactical revolution of Arne Slot at Liverpool: Pragmatism, decisive moves, and early success
With the first season of Liverpool under Arne Slot currently paused for international football, it is an ideal time to reflect on the changes we have observed so far.
Following Jurgen Klopp’s nine-year tenure, many wondered how different Slot’s style of football would be. Now, after witnessing Slot-ball in action at the highest level on several occasions, we can begin to analyze what he has brought to Liverpool.
Pragmatism in Slot’s approach with Liverpool
One moment from Liverpool’s dominant win at Old Trafford exemplifies much of Slot’s impact. It starts with Virgil van Dijk on the halfway line, a scenario familiar to Liverpool fans.
Typically, Van Dijk might opt for a long, accurate switch to the right flank, allowing a teammate to take on his defender. And there, Trent Alexander-Arnold instead of inverting into midfield, might push forwards from right-back and is exactly available for this ball.
This time however Van Dijk chose a different option, threading a pass through the lines to Ryan Gravenberch, positioned as one of the deeper midfielders.
Gravenberch’s excellent first touch skill allowed him to evade Manchester United press, setting up an attacking move that culminated in a disallowed goal for Alexander-Arnold.
This play reflects the style many anticipated from Slot – possession-based, with short passes breaking through pressure. Yet, it also shows that Slot’s team is not rigidly defined by these patterns.
Van Dijk’s ability to switch play was still used effectively during the buildup to the second goal against Ipswich.
Similarly, Liverpool’s first goal against Brentford came from a swift counter-attack, highlighting the team’s adaptability.
Slot has demonstrated pragmatism, showing that while possession and pressing are important. But he is not wedded to one approach. He allows his players to retain their strengths, tweaking tactics to adapt to the opposition or game situation.
Problem-solving through tactical adjustments
A key example of Slot’s problem-solving approach is his shift to a double pivot in midfield, even though he denies being bound to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Instead, he frames it as an evolved version of Liverpool’s typical 4-3-3. This change has addressed a significant issue from last season: Liverpool’s vulnerability to counter-attacks, which often resulted in a loss of control during games.
By utilizing two deeper midfielders, Slot has simplified the roles of Liverpool’s full-backs, particularly Trent Alexander-Arnold. At Old Trafford, Alexander-Arnold was seen tracking back to deal with counter attacks himself, rather than relying on a teammate for cover.
This structure also provides more support in possession, with four defenders and two midfielders consistently available for short passes, allowing for greater control when building attacks and a more stable defensive setup.
Decisiveness in key tactical calls
Slot’s decisiveness was on full display when he substituted Jarell Quansah at halftime against Ipswich, a decision that received significant attention. However, Slot’s ability to make bold calls has been evident from the start of his tenure.
Three key positional changes stand out: positioning Trent Alexander-Arnold as a traditional right-back, deploying Ryan Gravenberch as a deep midfielder, and using Diogo Jota as a central forward.
These decisions have proven successful. Alexander-Arnold’s return to right-back has coincided with him contributing both defensively and offensively, including two ‘pre-assists’ and helping secure three clean sheets.
Gravenberch had struggled to fit into Klopp’s system. But he has become vital in Slot’s double pivot. His technical ability allows Liverpool to play through the lines, while his defensive awareness helps win the ball at key moments.
Jota’s role at centre-forward has also allowed greater fluidity in Liverpool’s attack, creating space for others like Dominik Szoboszlai and helping Luis Diaz find his scoring form.
Future expectations
While Slot has already introduced notable tactical improvements, the full realization of his style is still developing. Liverpool’s goals so far have come from direct play, counter-attacks, and high pressing.
But the flowing pass-and-move sequences associated with Slot’s Feyenoord team have yet to result in a goal. However, the early signs are encouraging.
Slot has managed to maintain many of the principles that worked under Klopp – pressing aggressively and playing in transition – while gradually introducing ideas.
But we can draw the inference that as the team becomes more accustomed to Slot’s methods, we can expect to see more refined, possession-based football.
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