After Liverpool’s embarrassing defeat to Napoli two weeks ago, Jurgen Klopp admitted his side needed to “reinvent themselves”. In the post-match press conference, he said, “We definitely have to kind of reinvent ourselves because just basic things were not there.”
📺 Jurgen Klopp on needing to reinvent the team:
“We definitely have to kind of reinvent ourselves because just basic things were not there.” 🔴 pic.twitter.com/nCNPmFXv5O
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) September 7, 2022
With more players returning from injury soon, Liverpool may be able to rejuvenate their form. However, players have looked sluggish, getting outrun in every game but one this season. The players might need a new system and style of play to dominate the footballing world once again. Here are three suggestions on how Klopp could reinvent this side.
4-2-3-1
This formation is a favourite of Klopp, using it as his main formation during his time at Borussia Dortmund. Klopp deployed Roberto Firmino as a ‘false 9’ when he joined and it has been a pivotal factor in our success.
With Firmino ageing and forward talents like Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez in the squad, Klopp may need to start phasing out the ‘false 9’ role in favour of a traditional striker.
Potential Lineup
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson
Defensive Midfielders: Thiago, Fabinho
Attacking Midfielders: Mohamed Salah, Fabio Carvalho, Luis Diaz
Striker: Darwin Núñez
This lineup could give Liverpool stability in attack and defence. Thiago could play slightly ahead of Fabinho, to create chances for our front four, while the Brazilian holds the fort down in midfield. The formation could also play to Carvalho and Núñez’s strengths by letting them flourish in their natural positions.
Elliott could also slot in a more attacking role down the middle, playing to his strong attacking threat. This attacking-minded play could also bring back the ‘heavy metal football’ the Reds were known for back during the start of the Klopp era.
3-4-3
This formation could take some time to get used to. However, a three-at-the-back system worked successfully for many top managers, especially Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel. With our full backs already playing quite high up, the introduction of another centre-back might leave us more solid at the back.
Potential Lineup
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Defenders: Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk
Wing Backs: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson
Midfielders: Fabinho, Thiago
Front Three: Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Luis Diaz
Trent and Robertson will have more attacking freedom with less worry at the back with three colossal centre-backs behind them. Fabinho and Thiago can both stop the opponent’s transitions while creating chances for our formidable front three.
Changing The Usual XI
By bringing up the earlier point of our players looking sluggish, we might need to drop players instead of change formation. Our players might be looking complacent as they don’t have much competition to lose their spot in the starting XI.
Potential Lineup
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Defenders: Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas
Midfielders: Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago
Front Three: Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Luis Diaz
Gomez has looked defensively solid in some games and might deserve a chance at right-back. Trent has looked poor defensively this season and might need a break to reflect on his performances. Dropping him might just be the kick that he needs.
His full back partner, Robertson, has also been underperforming. Tsimikas looked sharp during his appearances and might get his chance to be a starter in this squad.
How would you reinvent Liverpool if you were Jurgen Klopp?
