How Liverpool Will Setup Under Xabi Alonso.

Summary

The video analyzes how manager Xabi Alonso's tactics at Bayer Leverkusen could translate if he becomes the next Liverpool manager. It looks at how Alonso implements a unique 3-4-2-1 formation and the specific roles of players like wingbacks and inverted forwards. The video questions how current Liverpool players like Alexander-Arnold and Salah would fit into Alonso's system and if their profiles match what he needs. Overall, it provides an intriguing analysis of how Alonso's approach differs from Klopp's and the potential changes needed at Liverpool to facilitate his progressive tactics.

Takeaways

• 😲 Jaap Stam could bring unprecedented change to Liverpool's playstyle and squad
• 👀 The 3-4-2-1 formation is key to Jaap Stam's tactics, but it's flexible in attack
• ⚽️ Positional play and dominating one-on-one duels all over the pitch leads to big scorelines
• 🧐 The current Liverpool squad may lack the ideal profiles at CB and LB for Stam's system
• ✅ Van Dijk, Fabinho and Elliott seem well-suited to key roles in midfield and defense
• 🚨 Big question marks around whether Salah and Alexander-Arnold fit into Stam's tactical plan
• 🔍 Stam needs a target man striker like Victor Osimhen to bring others into play
• 👣 Overlapping wingback Jeremy Frimpong is critical in attack under Stam
• ❓ It's unclear if Salah would accept a creator role instead of being an outright goal scorer
• 🤔 Long term, Liverpool may need to transition from reliance on Salah as a focal point

Q & A

What formation does Xabi Alonso favor and how is it unique?

Alonso favors a 3-4-2-1 formation on paper, but in reality it plays more like a 3-5-2 with advanced wingbacks. This allows his team to dominate possession and overwhelm opponents with attacking overloads across the pitch.

How are the roles of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah different in Alonso's system compared to their current roles?

In Alonso's system, Alexander-Arnold would play a more inverted playmaker role while Salah's role would shift from being focused on scoring to being more of a creative facilitator in the half spaces.

What type of striker profile does Alonso prefer and who fits this mold at Liverpool?

Alonso prefers a big target man striker with pace, like Erling Haaland. At Liverpool, Darwin Nunez fits this profile well.

How do Alonso's fullbacks contribute to his attacking system?

Alonso's fullbacks push extremely high up the pitch, almost acting as wingers. This eliminates the need for traditional wingers and allows the attacking midfielders to occupy the half spaces instead.

What changes would Liverpool likely need to make in defense to facilitate Alonso's system?

Liverpool may need to sign a left-sided center back who is comfortable carrying the ball forward. Additionally, the left fullback role would need to be filled by someone more dynamic and aggressive than Robertson.

How are buildup and chance creation different in Alonso's tactics compared to Klopp's Gegenpressing?

While Klopp focuses on winning the ball high up and quick transitions, Alonso builds slowly from the back to pull opponents out of position before more direct balls into attack.

Could Salah thrive in a new role under Alonso or might he be sold?

While Salah could theoretically thrive as a creative #10 under Alonso, after years of scoring goals he may not embrace a reduced scoring role. This could lead Liverpool to transition towards new talents like Gakpo instead.

Why does the 3-4-2-1 formation help Alonso's team progress the ball against a high press?

The back 3 and advanced fullbacks create a box that helps play through the first line of pressure. There are also always midfield passing options that can then progress play upfield.

What Bundesliga players might Alonso want to bring with him to recreate his system at Liverpool?

Alonso could attempt to sign defensive midfielder Granit Xhaka and left wingback Mitchel Bakker, who play similar roles for Leverkusen as Alonso might want for Liverpool.

How quickly could Liverpool adapt to and succeed with Alonso's unique system and style of play?

As Liverpool is so aligned to Klopp's methods, it may take Alonso time to fully implement his tactics. But the squad fits fairly well, so could thrive under Alonso once his system clicks.