Weakness: Back-ups to key attackers
Jurgen Klopp has said that counter-pressing – an organised attempt to close teams down immediately after they have won the ball – is the best playmaker he has ever worked with. Yet the German still needs players to take advantage of opponents left unbalanced by his tactics, as well as breaking down the stubborn defences of those who refuse to be drawn into his trap.
When Sadio Mane is fit, Liverpool look almost unstoppable. His pace and movement down the right enables him to get behind teams. Adam Lallana is vital to triggering the press. Philippe Coutinho’s nous at finding the killer ball from midfield is key too, as is the industry of Roberto Firmino up front.
Klopp can just about cope when one of these four players are out. As soon as he loses two or more, the Reds struggle, especially when Jordan Henderson is also out. The importance of his rapid recycling of the ball from deep to keep the intensity levels up is overlooked.
It’s a big task but Liverpool must do all they can to provide their manager with the players to cover for these individuals, as well as buying a natural left-footer to replace James Milner at left-back.
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