TKT Opinion – Xabi Alonso’s arrival could rekindle Liverpool tactical overhaul

Xabi Alonso potentially succeeding legendary manager Jurgen Klopp could mark the return of the number 10 role in Liverpool’s tactics

Xabi Alonso is a firm favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, potentially benefitting players with number 10 role preference. Alonso is currently enjoying an unbeaten season with Bayer Leverkusen, having taken 10 points lead over Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are in a heated title race with Manchester City and Arsenal in the Premier League, second in position. The Reds are attempting to add to their Carabao Cup victory and give a grand farewell to their beloved manager.

In January, Klopp announced that he was stepping back from the managerial role due to the feeling of burnout. The Liverpool boss has achieved incredible success at the club and built a foundation for the success and development of youngsters.

The Academy is thriving with players capable of stepping up and challenging for the senior team role. At the same time, the culture of success continues to bloom despite the limited resources compared to Premier League rivals.

Klopp has continuously used the 4-3-3 formation in various tactical methods and with fluidity throughout his success at the club. Since the departure of Philip Coutinho to Barcelona, the German has not used a conventional number 10 regularly.

The 56-year-old deployed a three-man midfield in variations with the number six and the number eight roles for the midfielders. Klopp has deployed Xherdan Shaqiri on wings until his departure and he has used Harvey Elliott similarly. Elliott has also played as a conventional number eight whenever he played as a part of the midfield trio.

Tactical preference of Alonso: Potential boon for number 10 players

Liverpool are looking at numerous candidates but currently, Alonso stands as a firm favourite (h/t BBC) to succeed Klopp. The Spaniard has a strong bond with the Liverpool fans, being a former player and the Reds fan himself.

Both Alonso and Klopp use a similar philosophy of high pressing/counter-pressing and attacking style of play with a direct approach. The Spaniard has preferred variations of the 3-4-3 formation, using two number six and two number 10 in midfield.

The number 10 takes the role of flat wide forwards in his 3-4-3 formation when the attacking wing-backs play inverted. Nevertheless, the role is significantly important in his style of play and it has produced a lot of success.

Liverpool have Dominik Szoboszlai in their ranks and he has played as a number eight under Klopp this season. However, Szoboszlai fits perfectly in Alonso’s system as a number 10 who is capable of dropping as a wide forward on the right.

Furthermore, on-loan forward Fabio Carvalho struggled to maintain his place within Klopp’s squad. The Portuguese forward failed to fit into the tactical requirement of Klopp despite having immense talent.

Alonso’s potential appointment would benefit Carvalho significantly as he fits the profile required to play on the left. The 21-year-old is a typical number 10 who can drop wide on the left flank and use his directness.

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Xabi’s team have thrived in one-on-one situations with wingbacks bombing forward alongside his number 10s and interchanging positions. Liverpool have many players in their squad capable of playing in such a fluid formation and benefitting a lot.