Liverpool have had a midfield problem for some time, and the Reds supporters have continually fumed about not having a Fabinho-esque physical presence in the middle of the park. The Merseyside side faced consequences of being light in the position in the final months of the previous season as Arsenal and Manchester City ran way for a top-two race, with Jurgen Klopp’s side having to settle for just League Cup silverware in what was an emotional end to the season.
Coming into the new campaign, many thought that the chiefs at Anfield Stadium would bring in quality players to take measures in the midfield, and while they tried to bring in Zubimendi, nothing conclusive happened, and Liverpool started the season with no new midfielder.
Murphy praises Slot’s tactical brilliance
Many thought it could turn out to be a problem for Arne Slot as he takes charge of his first season at Anfield. That being said, the Reds head coach has done pretty well to conserve the problems in the middle of the park in the opening games of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
The Reds tactical superiority in the midfield helped them maintain an upper hand in the game against Bournemouth on Saturday, and former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy spoke highly of how Slot set up his midfield against Iraola’s side.
Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai have been ever present in the middle of the park for the Merseyside-based club. The trio has worked as a unit to ensure that all spaces were covered offensively while they maintained their presence in case of transition-like situations.
Analysing the Reds midfield and their work on Match of the Day following Liverpool’s win against Bournemouth on Saturday, Murphy said:
“Here, spare man, Bournemouth a little bit off; don’t quite have the numbers in; don’t quite get there in time.
“Look at this little look from Mac Allister, and again. Waits for him to get in there; there he is, brilliant pass, intelligent footballer. The midfield three have got lovely balance at the moment; they all know what each other are doing.”
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It is quite intelligent from Slot to ensure that Liverpool have a spare man in the midfield; this is something that can come useful against bigger opponents in a Champions League-type dynamic. We have to see how things turn out in the upcoming months, and hopefully the club takes it forward from here rather than falling back into old habits.
