Liverpool head coach Arne Slot faces his toughest opponent this season with a tactical battle against Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso. The Reds have started their season strongly despite calls of hiccup from many football pundits after Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp.
The Dutchman has immediately bonded with the fanbase and the players with his unique personality and impressive communication style. Slot has added more tools within the Liverpool senior team instead of completely revamping things like other new bosses do.
Klopp provided Slot with an impressive squad which he humbly accepted, adding only Federico Chiesa for the current season’s campaign. Liverpool have won 13 out of 15 matches in all competitions, losing and drawing one game so far this season.
Slot has demonstrated incredible tactical brilliance and communicates effectively to ensure players understand his demands. Liverpool have shifted their formation and style according to each opponent, conceding 10 goals despite not reaching their best level.
On the contrary, Liverpool are far from their best yet managing to win the winnable games regardless is the champions’ key trait. Meanwhile, last season’s Bundesliga’s Invincibles Leverkusen have continued their progress despite losing one game early in the season.
The German champions have won eight out of their 15 games in all competitions, losing one and drawing six matches. Alonso’s men achieved an incredible invincible run last season, suffering only one defeat against Atalanta in the Europa League final.
Leverkusen remains a major threat despite their early season hiccup which many expected as they over-achieved last season. Nevertheless, Alonso’s incredible tactical approach and ability to keep his players going until the very end are rare traits.
Slot vs Alonso- The duel of the minds to shape the upcoming game
There is no denying that Liverpool wanted the Spaniard to return home before they chose Slot as Klopp’s successor. At the same time, none of the parties involved in Liverpool’s search for Klopp’s successor feels any regret, but they have a lot to prove in the upcoming game.
Without waiting any further, the Kop Times will look at the three key duels that could shape the upcoming Champions League bout between Leverkusen and Liverpool at Anfield:
Ryan Gravenberch vs Florian Wirtz
Wirtz has established himself as the key player for Leverkusen and keeping him quiet is a daunting yet essential task. The German plays as the key conduit in the attacking midfield, capable of dropping wide when Alex Grimaldo bombs invert.
Wirtz has scored seven goals and provided one assist from 15 games in all competitions, leading Leverkusen’s goal scorers’ chart. The dynamic attacker exploits spaces and utilizes his dribbling and close control to cause chaos in the channels.
On the other hand, Liverpool witnessed a fantastic rejuvenation of Ryan Gravenberch in his new number six role. Slot’s tactical style of play is vastly different in this area than what Klopp preferred in his direct approach.
The new style leaves less space in the channels for the opposition to operate with every player maintaining the structure. Gravenberch has improved his defensive aspects of the game while his playmaking qualities grab the spotlight. However, the 22-year-old needs to negate the Wirtz effect on Tuesday, working alongside his defensive teammates.
Mohamed Salah vs Alex Grimaldo
Grimaldo is a pivotal part of Alonso’s tactical setup, dictating the game from the left wing-back position. The Spaniard will face a tough opponent in legendary forward Mohamed Salah who is continuing his incredible tenure at Liverpool.
Salah has maintained a high level of consistency that earned him a legendary status at the club. However, the Egypt captain needs to deliver an all-round performance to keep Grimaldo restricted in a deep position.
Like Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, Grimaldo operates in various roles from the left-back position, helping in possessional play and threats. The 29-year-old’s incredible on-field chemistry with Wirtz allows him to drop invert or exploit the flanks unpredictably.
Salah has to maintain a constant threat at the right-hand side of the Reds’ attacking third to force Grimaldo to help his left-central defender. Depleting Grimaldo’s presence in Liverpool’s half would help Trent, Gravenberch and others on the right side immensely.
Andy Robertson vs Jeremie Frimpong
One of the biggest weapons in Leverkusen’s arsenal is Jeremie Frimpong but the Dutchman has struggled to contribute consistently. However, Frimpong remains a threat due to his incredible pace, technical abilities and desire to score crucial goals.
The Dutch international played a key role for Alonso last season, getting goals and assists to drive his club forward. On the other hand, Liverpool’s left-back position has struggled with consistency since last season when both their options struggled with fitness as well.
Tsimikas delivered a fantastic performance against Brighton & Hove Albion to mark his claim for the starting role. However, Slot could use a rotation policy and rely on struggling Andy Robertson for this game.
The Scotsman has played a pivotal role in the Reds’ success during the Klopp era and needs to bounce back. Robertson has a fantastic cover in Virgil van Dijk on the left side of the defence but marshalling the flanks is his duty.
