Klopp cultivated a culture of belief, where fans who had once doubted now stood as the most passionate supporters. His system wasn’t simply tactical—it became an extension of the energy and fervor that resided in the heart of the Kop. A new team had emerged, one that matched the intensity of their manager’s vision and the emotional connection of the fanbase.
Under Klopp, Liverpool exhibited a level of psychological and emotional coherence that was as impressive as it was rare. The squad was not only filled with outstanding talent but was remarkably well-drilled, tactically disciplined, and relentlessly efficient.
However, despite the team’s overwhelming success and remarkable performances, there remain areas where Liverpool’s play could be enhanced, particularly in their build-up phase. This is an aspect of the game that has become increasingly pivotal in the modern footballing landscape. Playing out from the back has become a hallmark of top teams in recent years.
Yet, even without mastering this technique to perfection, Liverpool managed to achieve great success. A key reason for this was the accuracy and ability of players like Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could launch long, accurate passes with precision, making it unnecessary for Liverpool to rely too heavily on intricate passing through the opposition’s press.
However, with the arrival of Arne Slot as the new manager, the dynamics at Liverpool are shifting. While Klopp’s style revolved around pressing and fast transitions, Slot is introducing a more refined, methodical approach. His tactical philosophy is beginning to shine through, especially in the way he wants his team to play out from the back. Slot’s adaptation to the squad’s existing strengths—coupled with an emphasis on further developing the build-up play—gives Liverpool’s youthful side a new layer of tactical depth.
One of the first players to speak about the changes under Slot was Curtis Jones. The young midfielder noted that the new system would give more responsibility to midfielders, requiring them to break through opposition presses and progress the ball forward.
This reflects the growing emphasis on ball retention and composure in tight spaces, something Liverpool has historically been less focused on. Jones, in particular, has shown a willingness to demand the ball in the centre of the park, a development that would have been far less likely under Klopp’s previous regime. His ability to receive the ball under pressure and play through it is key to Slot’s vision.
Alongside Jones, Liverpool now has an array of talented midfield options, with the club having made significant moves in the transfer market. The overhaul of the midfield, including signings like Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, has added both quantity and quality. Alongside the development of younger players such as Harvey Elliott, Stefan Bajčetić, and Tyler Morton, Liverpool now has a midfield that offers both variety and versatility. The collective improvement in technical skills is clear, and it positions the team well to embrace Slot’s tactical approach.
One of the notable points of Slot’s approach to build-up play is the emphasis on the role of the number 6 (the holding midfielder). Reports suggest that the manager is looking to add another player to this position, highlighting its importance in his system. While Liverpool already boasts a well-rounded midfield, Slot believes that a truly complete number 6 will be pivotal to achieving success. This player must be comfortable under pressure, adept at recycling the ball, and capable of progressing it forward under the opposition’s press.
In terms of build-up structure, Slot has introduced a more compact and narrow approach to passing. By keeping the play short and central, the aim is to attract opposition pressure and then exploit the gaps that emerge once they are drawn in. The idea is to create an overload in the middle of the pitch, enabling Liverpool to bypass the press with quick, short passes and intelligent movement. This is a subtle yet effective strategy that places a high premium on the technical quality of the players involved.
One of the standout features of Slot’s build-up play is the staggering of central midfielders. This tactic ensures that there is always one player positioned deeper than the other, allowing for quick third-man combinations that can break through opposition lines.
It’s a smart and dynamic approach that provides multiple options for progressing the ball. The midfielders, therefore, are not static but move with purpose, constantly creating passing lanes and angles to exploit. With Gravenberch, Jones, and Mac Allister in the midfield, Liverpool now has a group of players who are more than comfortable receiving the ball with their back to goal, turning, and advancing the play.
The positioning and movement of the midfielders in these situations is crucial. The key is to play passes to the correct foot of the recipient, allowing for fluid and rapid movement of the ball. For example, when a centre-back is looking to distribute the ball to a number 8, the pass must be directed to the foot that will enable the midfielder to bounce the ball quickly and effectively. This attention to detail, particularly in the execution of passes, ensures that Liverpool can maintain the tempo of their build-up play and break through the opposition’s press with minimal delay.
Moreover, Slot’s system places a strong emphasis on the intelligent movement of players off the ball. As the opposition presses higher, one midfielder will drop deeper to receive the ball, acting as the first receiver. This movement ensures that Liverpool can continue to progress the ball with speed and accuracy, despite the pressure from the opposition. The combination of quick passing, precise positioning, and intelligent movement allows Liverpool to bypass the press and transition into attack with greater efficiency.
An intriguing aspect of Slot’s approach is the way it creates space for the forwards and advanced midfielders to exploit. As the opposition regains its shape after pressing, Liverpool can use the space created in behind to launch a more direct attack.
Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai are particularly well-suited to this role. Elliott, with his ability to dictate play and create chances between the lines, thrives in moments where he can receive the ball in space and initiate counter-attacks. Szoboszlai, on the other hand, brings a more direct, forward-thinking style of play, always looking to drive into space and take on defenders.
These two players, in particular, will be crucial in Slot’s system, as they provide the creativity and vision required to unlock opposition defences. They are the players who can turn a quick break into a goal-scoring opportunity, and their ability to read the game and make decisive passes will be vital to Liverpool’s success. The ability to find and utilize these players effectively will be a determining factor in the club’s ability to convert possession into goals.
Furthermore, Liverpool’s forwards—Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Núñez—remain central to Slot’s attacking plans. Their ability to make runs into the space behind opposition defences, particularly against high-pressing teams, will be critical in exploiting the gaps that emerge during build-up play. The combination of pace, intelligence, and finishing ability in this attacking trio makes them a constant threat to any defence, and the more Liverpool can involve them in the build-up, the more devastating they will be.
However, as with any tactical shift, there are challenges. Slot’s insistence on playing through the press, rather than opting for direct long balls, could backfire in certain situations. While Liverpool’s midfield has grown in technical ability, there may be times when the system doesn’t work as planned.
Early mistakes are inevitable, especially when players are adjusting to the demands of playing under such pressure. This period of transition could lead to moments of uncertainty or hesitation, particularly when players lack confidence in the system.
Moreover, when facing teams with a well-organized, player-to-player defensive setup, Liverpool’s build-up play may struggle.
While Slot has worked to mitigate this with the ball-carrying abilities of his full-backs—Conor Bradley, in particular—there will still be instances where breaking down compact defensive structures proves difficult. The ability to adapt and find solutions in these situations will be crucial for Liverpool’s continued development under Slot.
Despite these challenges, there are many signs that Slot’s influence is already taking shape. He has managed to instill his ideas without the luxury of new signings to bolster the squad, which is a testament to his tactical acumen. As the season progresses, Liverpool’s build-up play will undoubtedly become more refined, and Slot’s system will grow in effectiveness. The potential for success under his leadership is clear, and if the build-up play continues to evolve in the way it has started, there is every reason to believe that this could be another extraordinary chapter in Liverpool’s history.
In conclusion, a new era has begun at Liverpool with Arne Slot at the helm. The foundations laid by Klopp remain, but Slot is shaping a new tactical identity that aligns with the demands of modern football. The intricate build-up play, the emphasis on midfield control, and the search for space in high-press situations are all hallmarks of his evolving style. With a talented squad, a dedicated manager, and a fanbase that continues to rally behind the team, Liverpool’s journey under Slot has the potential to be just as successful and exciting as any of the chapters that preceded it.
