Arne Slot Must Address This ‘Weakness’ in Liverpool’s Game – Journalist | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Search for Set-Piece Improvement: A Strategic Move?

Liverpool’s football strategy, under the guidance of manager Arne Slot, is continuously evolving, and a recent revelation about their potential search for a set-piece coach has stirred up quite the discussion. The insightful comments from David Lynch, following his conversation with Dave Davis for Anfield Index, shed light on a dimension of the game that Liverpool might be looking to bolster to gain that extra edge. But is this focus on set-pieces the tweak Liverpool needs to climb higher in the Premier League standings?

Set-Piece Performance: Current Landscape

Liverpool’s approach to set-pieces has been a mixed bag this season. Despite their low ranking—19th in the Premier League for set-piece goals with only three to their name—they’ve shown remarkable resilience in defence. As David Lynch pointed out, “Liverpool don’t concede from set pieces and they’re doing very well with that this season, so they deserve huge credit for that.” This defensive solidity is commendable and indicates a well-structured approach at the back.

However, the offensive aspect tells a different story. “In terms of creating goals, they haven’t scored enough over the course of the season to feel like it’s a real threat,” Lynch commented. This observation highlights a critical gap between Liverpool’s defensive prowess and their scoring ability from set-pieces, a gap that might just be the key to unlocking more consistent success in tight games. Arsenal’s recent reliance on set-pieces for crucial points in the league underscores the potential impact a more potent set-piece strategy could have.

Potential for Marginal Gains

The concept of marginal gains—small incremental improvements in any process adding up to a significant improvement when they are all added together—might be what Liverpool is aiming for by considering a set-piece coach. “I do wonder whether they will get to the end of the season and think this is how they can get a marginal gain because it is a bit of a weakness,” Lynch mused. With the Premier League being fiercely competitive, finding and exploiting these marginal gains can make a significant difference.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s nearly bottom-of-the-table performance in scoring from set-pieces contrasts sharply with their strong defensive record on the same. Enhancing their offensive set-piece plays could be an astute way to turn closely fought matches into victories.

Integrating a Set-Piece Specialist: Pros and Cons

Bringing in a set-piece specialist could be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it could provide Liverpool with the expertise necessary to craft and execute effective set-piece routines that add to their goal-scoring repertoire. On the other hand, it’s crucial that such a move integrates smoothly with Slot’s existing tactics and team dynamics to avoid any disruption.

Concluding Thoughts

Liverpool’s consideration of appointing a set-piece coach is a testament to the club’s commitment to continuous improvement. While their defensive record from set-pieces is admirable, the attacking stats paint a picture of untapped potential. Should Liverpool decide to go down this route, it could well be the detail that refines their strategy and gives them an edge in the race for Premier League glory.

By addressing this “bit of a weakness,” as Lynch describes it, Liverpool can potentially transform set-pieces from a tactical afterthought into a potent weapon in their arsenal. Whether this move will pay dividends remains to be seen, but it’s clear that in the tight margins of elite football, every little advantage counts.