Jurgen Klopp's new tactic: Analysis video of Liverpool's 4-2-3-1 system

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·7 October 2022

Jurgen Klopp's new tactic: Analysis video of Liverpool's 4-2-3-1 system

Jurgen Klopp switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation for Liverpool’s midweek Champions League clash with Rangers and enjoyed great success playing it.

The altered set up brought with it a breath of fresh air as his Liverpool team looked more in control, more composed than we’ve seen them since they drummed Bournemouth 9-0 at Anfield towards the end of August.

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Consequently, they comfortably beat Rangers with the 2-0 score line not reflecting the level of dominance the Reds had imposed upon the match.

But in the intricate and complicated world of football tactics that exists today, it's never just a change of formation but a change of system.

So, what else did Klopp change about his Liverpool team?

A fascinating video created by the Tifo IRL YouTube channel has sought to break down the Reds' new tactical set up and you can check it out below.

We've also provided a summary of three key points below the video, which you can use should you not wish to immerse yourself in the full nine minutes of analysis.

Although, we have to say, it's well worth the watch.

WATCH: How has Klopp changed Liverpool's tactics?

So, what are some of the key points that we can summarise?

1. Switching from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1

According to the video, the reason for the change in system was to solidify Liverpool's previously leaky defence.

The clean sheet the Reds kept against Rangers was only their third so far this season.

Whilst many of the goals they had conceded up until that point had been all come from the opposition exploiting the space between the marauding Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool's right centre back.

The opposing team would simply leave an attacking player in the gap Liverpool left and launch scathing counter attacks from that position, often to deadly effect.

But by switching to having two holding midfielders, Klopp's team would always have a defensive midfielder to cover the full back, thereby providing some added protection to the backline.

2. The changing role of Alexander-Arnold

Although that's not all Klopp has done to remedy the issue.

We actually saw Alexander-Arnold playmaking from a deeper role against the Scottish club on Tuesday.

At times the Englishman looked like he was part of a back three, especially in the buildup play.

Rather than heading towards the byline like he would usually do, Alexander-Arnold made use of the extra room afforded to him thanks to the opposition having four forwards to mark.

In effect, he acted as a sort of quarterback for Liverpool, picking his threatening passes and crosses from deeper positions roughly 30-40 yards away from goal.

3. The role of four forwards

Now, that wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for Liverpool's new shape and the inclusions of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.

The four attackers, along with Kotas Tsimikas and a midfielder, were pushed up against the opposition defensive line in most scenarios.

That forced the opposing defenders deeper into their own half, kept them occupied and allowed Alexander-Arnold the room to work.

And whilst that's actually incredibly smart from Klopp when you think about it, the benefits didn't stop there.

The inclusion of a second central attacking player also helped Liverpool's build up play.

One of Jota or Nunez would consistently come short for the ball when their team were trying to form attacks from the back, often providing a quick outlet for a Virgil van Dijk or Joel Matip to tap into.

Once the ball reached one of the frontmen, they would quickly lay it off to one of the wingers and launch a dangerous scenario that involved all four attacking players running at the opposition defence.

Will Liverpool persist with their new tactical set-up?

Based on the success they experienced against Rangers, one would like to think so.

The club are heading into an enormous two weeks of Premier League action which starts with a trip to league leaders Arsenal on Sunday.

They then welcome Manchester City to Anfield the following weekend, knowing that anything other than three points will effectively put them out of sight for good in the title race.

Even though, let's face it, with the consistency City have shown over the previous years, we think that ship has probably sailed at this point.

Liverpool will just be hoping to get back to their best - and with clashes against the Premier League's two front runners on the horizon, what better time to do it.