Why Liverpool are feeling the effects of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence this season
Slot’s men will face Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United and if United are to get anything from the game they must look to exploit some of Liverpool’s recent weaknesses.
Amorim has at times asked his team to defend in a 5-4-1 formation, moving away from the normal 5-2-3, and if chosen, this alternative approach is likely to raise more questions for Liverpool.
By defending deeper and blocking the center of the pitch well, Liverpool’s greater percentage of possession will go to central defenders who are less capable of breaking a stubborn shape. This could force Wirtz to go deeper, out of areas where he can be more destructive.
Liverpool’s reluctance to change play will make it difficult for them to break the 5-4-1 shape, which initially featured good coverage across the width of the pitch.
Ultimately, a kit that aims to narrow down the space available to players like Isak and Salah is naturally a smart plan to counter two of Liverpool’s most impressive players, especially if paired with proactive, aggressive defending from United’s left-back.
