When Jurgen Klopp switched Liverpool’s formation from 4-3-3 to a 3-box-3 for the Arsenal fixture back in April, even the most optimistic fan would not have predicted the run of results to follow; ten games unbeaten at the end of the 2022/23 season, followed by one defeat in the first eleven games of the 2023/24 season, the only defeat courtesy of the calamitous VAR disallowed goal at Tottenham.
Liverpool have moved on from a hugely disappointing 2022/23 season in which they missed out on Champions League football, but the sub standard football in some of the performances set alarm bells ringing. After nearly completing an unprecedented quadruple in 2021/22, the squad looked tired and past its best, confirming the fears of former Sporting Director, Michael Edwards.
Edwards had previously expressed his data driven opinion the squad needed an overhaul, he could see the potential iceberg ahead, but Klopp preferred to double down on the players he had. To be fair to Klopp he won the FA & League Cup the following season, could easily have won the Champions League final (barring a Man of the match performance from Thibaut Courtois), and lost out to Manchester City in the league by a single point.
Edwards departed Liverpool FC in 2021, but his concerns about an aging squad proved to be spot on. The slump in performance for the majority of the 2022/23 season was clear and obvious for all to see, and certain individual players were being highlighted (rightly or wrongly), including Trent Alexander-Arnold. Previously Alexander-Arnold had been heralded for his attacking prowess, his assists from set pieces and open play, and he appeared to be bullet-proof. In the space of a few months, the narrative had changed and he was being highlighted as a major contributing factor in Liverpool’s decline.
Another player who was struggling to reproduce his previous excellent form was defensive midfielder, Fabinho. When Klopp moved Liverpool to a 3-box-3 formation, he killed two birds with one stone; Fabinho had assistance in central midfield, and Alexander-Arnold was given license to use his creative powers in a more advanced central position, his defensive responsibilities were reduced as a consequence.
In my opinion, a major contributing factor in Liverpool’s sub standard performances during 2022/23 was the departure of Sadio Mane, and the break up of Klopp’s most trusted Fab Three up front. Mane, Firmino & Salah had been Klopp’s most trusted forward line and first line of defence for many seasons. Their almost telepathic understanding on when and who to press had provided the midfield & defence with so much support, but without Mane and Firmino (who missed considerable time with injury), the cracks started to appear.
Whilst the performances towards the end of the 2022/23 season were not entirely convincing, Liverpool managed to maintain a late charge for a Champions League spot, and fans were given hope for the following season whilst many were getting excited about the new role occupied by Alexander-Arnold.
The Summer of 2023 saw much upheaval within the Liverpool squad. Henderson & Fabinho departed for the Saudi Pro League, whilst Milner, Keita & Oxlade-Chamberlain were allowed to depart as their contracts ended. In came Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endō & Ryan Gravenberch, and Klopp’s Liverpool v2.0 began to take shape.
Another huge improvement for Liverpool this season has seen Darwin Nunez start to justify some of his £64 million transfer fee. Klopp had stated on several occasions the route into his team started with Nunez’s performances up top, firstly from a defensive perspective. Nunez’s application and work rate had never been in doubt, but this season has seen him find his shooting boots, and he looks like a different player. He’s quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Liverpool are starting to look more like their previous self, although slightly different in formation and with a few new faces. A top four spot should be the bare minimum this season, and a title challenge is easily within their grasp. The Europa League also provides a great opportunity for developing some of the younger, less established players whilst providing valuable European experience.
The future is starting to look a lot brighter for Klopp, fans & players alike. My major concern with the current Liverpool iteration is the dependence on Alexander-Arnold in the inverted fullback role. He missed a few games with injury, and Joe Gomez did an admirable job filling in, but he doesn’t have the same skill set as Alexander-Arnold. His defending is decent in the fullback role, but he doesn’t have the same creative ability as Alexander-Arnold stepping into midfield when Liverpool have possession. Liverpool might get away with it against some of the teams towards the bottom of the table, but the likes of Manchester City & Arsenal will exploit this area if Alexander-Arnold is missing or out of form.