Inside Liverpool’s Tactical Shift: Arne Slot’s 3-4-4 Formation Explained | OneFootball

Innovative Tactics by Arne Slot: Liverpool’s Approach for the 2024/25 Season

The preseason matches, while limited in number, have already showcased intriguing tactics employed by Liverpool under the guidance of Arne Slot. In a recent analysis shared by Panenka LFC, the discussion centered around Liverpool’s unconventional tactics in a friendly against Arsenal. The contributors highlighted that Liverpool “didn’t play through Arsenal; they only played long balls without any combinations.” This observation sparked debates, but the detailed breakdown offered insight into the strategic flexibility introduced by Slot.

Flexible Build-up Shapes and the 3-4-4 Formation

One of the most notable tactical shifts has been the introduction of a 3-4-4 formation, a significant departure from the more common 3-2-5 setup. The podcast described how Liverpool’s center-backs would split, allowing the goalkeeper, Kelleher, to step forward and act as a situational center-back. This move provided Liverpool with an extra man during the build-up phase, effectively countering Arsenal’s man-to-man marking system. As described in the podcast, “The key here is with Kelleher involved in the buildup, Liverpool had an extra man to counter Arsenal’s man-marking system.”

Utilising the “Up, Back, and Through” Pattern

A crucial aspect of Slot’s tactics was the implementation of the “up, back, and through” pattern. This strategy involved baiting Arsenal’s press by circulating the ball among the defenders and midfielders before launching a long pass to the forwards. The Panenka LFC team explained, “After baiting Arsenal’s press, the young defender played a long ball towards Salah.” This deliberate sequence aimed to exploit the spaces left by Arsenal’s aggressive pressing, allowing Liverpool to bypass the press with precision.

Photo: IMAGO

Adaptability in Formations and Player Roles

Slot’s tactical approach also highlighted the adaptability of player roles and formations. The analysis noted instances where “Connor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas joined the double pivots line, staying narrow,” thus creating a more compact shape that allowed for fluid transitions between defense and attack. This versatility was evident in Liverpool’s ability to shift from a defensive stance to a threatening offensive posture, as seen in the sequence where “Jones dropped deep into a free space to receive the ball after peeling off Partey.”

A Promising Start to the 2024/25 Season

The early glimpses of Arne Slot’s tactical innovations suggest a promising start to the 2024/25 season for Liverpool. The emphasis on flexibility, player involvement in multiple phases of play, and the strategic use of formations like the 3-4-4 are indicative of a thoughtful and dynamic approach. As the contributors on Panenka LFC aptly put it, these tactics might not be “tiki-taka football,” but they are certainly effective and reflect a nuanced understanding of the game.

As Liverpool fans and analysts eagerly await the upcoming season, it’s clear that Slot’s approach offers a fresh perspective and a tactical edge. The early matches have provided a tantalizing preview of what’s to come, and supporters can look forward to a season of innovative football and strategic brilliance.