How Liverpool Will Setup Under Xabi Alonso.
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- čas přidán 28. 01. 2024
- In this video, James Allcott takes a look at Xabi Alonso's tactics and how Liverpool could lineup if he replaces Jurgen Klopp as manager. We look at his Bayer Leverkusen tactics, formation and style of play to see how this could work at Liverpool next season.
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James Allcott content focuses on Premier League, Champions League, EFL Championship talking about Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City, Tottenham, Barcelona, England, Chelsea, Jurgen Klopp, Erik Ten Hag, Mikel Arteta, transfer news, tactical analysis and much more. James has made content with Mark Goldbridge from the United Stand, Rory Jennings, Ben Foster, Spencer FC, The Club, Thogden, JaackMaate, ESPN and many more.
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"Liverpool is missing a centre back who has experience at left back and has lots of pace"
Joe Gomez: "am I a joke to you?"
Ideally you’d want a left footed player there
IF LFC move to a 3 CB system we'll need to bring in a new CB anyways. No way you go into a season with only 4 CBs for a 3 CB system
Joe ain’t very fast and he’s right footed
@@lol-bg4whJoe Gomez had been consistently rated the fastest player in the Liverpool squad. There’s literally clips of him running down the fastest wingers in the league from behind a few years ago. Injuries have slowed him down a bit, but to say he isn’t fast is one of the most idiotic things I’ve seen on the internet. Gakpo confirmed he’s still top 3 fastest Liverpool players behind Konate and Salah
@@lol-bg4wh He's quick as balls. You're right about being left footed though.
Im not sure his tactics will translate 1:1 from Leverkusen to Liverpool. At Dortmund Klopp was playing 4231 and people thought it would be his favoured approach at Liverpool when in reality he binned it after 6 months
I agree I think our current system works better than this one with out players
@@tameemmayet4454if manger rips up the system that 10 years down the drain
He sold Coutinho
Exactly; it’s simple-minded to assume he’d have the exact same system. Why would he? Klopp played with Lewa, not a false 9 like Firmino, and I think Xabi would adapt the system to suit the very best players in the squad. I don’t like the look of Gravenberch ahead of Jones, who is one of our most consistent and productive pressers and most comfortable in possession.
@@zingisamahlasela Coutinho mainly played on the left for Klopp with the occasional game coming in the left central midfield slot
Joe Gomez could definitely play LCB. Completely comfortable in any position across the back 4 and has been playing Lb recently and is quite strong and fast. Think playing as a back 3 would actually suit joe Gomez more so than playing in a 4
Also could see Trent playing in the midfield especially under the guidance of xabi alonso, could definitely see the next stage of Trent under alonso.
Came here to say this. Gomez would be perfect
Gonez is extremely fast actually. Explosive muscle type.
Yeah not sure what Jim is chatting about on this one. Konate is also extremely fast and covers what is essentially a right back role when Trent is in midfield
Would really suit him but I'm sure the preference would be to get a left footed CB in for the LCB and then have Gomez backup the other 2 spots
Honestly I would put Jones in for Gravenberch bc he’s getting better at driving forward with the ball w/o losing it. Gravenberch is still a bit underbaked atm. Also, Xabi chose this formation bc it fits the players like Ancelotti does. I wouldn’t be surprised if 343 isnt what he would choose with Liverpool.
Was literally about to type this out myself but beat me to it. I think Curtis is showing how he can adapt his game to the role the team and Klopp needs. He can shuttle the ball forward and interchange passes quickly to work the ball up the pitch into the 2nd phase.
I typed the same then saw this 😂🫣 Jones over Gravenberch any day for the levels they’ve shown to date. As Klopp’s pointed out, Jones has become very well-rounded and is an excellent counter-presser. He rarely ever loses to ball or makes a stray pass. Been Liverpool’s best midfielder this season. Xabi would undoubtably adapt the system to suit the players who operate on the highest level. Gomez isn’t like for like with either fullback yet he’s been great.
I actually think Jones would do better as the inside 10 here, if it is chosen that way and Szobo could be the natural 8 he already has been playing this season. That said the 343 at Leverkusen feels like something borne out of lack of midfielders, and given that the opposite's the case here, I don't think he'd look to sacrifice a midfield spot
Currently Jones is a must in that Liverpool MF
Curtis is and always will be underrated by most that don't know what he does every week. Wouldn't swap him for anyone across Europe atm.
Robertson is completely capable of doing the frimpong role. Is doing it since arrive to Liverpool, look at the assist ...
He wont be as good at dribbling. Can you get around that? We will see.
he literally isn't. More suited playing as a left cb. Just doesn't have the ability to beat a man like frimpong
@@caralow3r480 he is being doing it since he arrived. Why you act like he is not? Look the amount of assist that he delivers.
@@jaimeojedariquelme4052 what does assist have to do with beating your man 1v1 or correlate with being a good dribbler. Robbo is a world class LB but playing LB in a colophon system and LWB in a Alonso system are 2 completely different things which require different skills and traits,
@@diogoaljota5455 of course in your mind only a dribbler can beat down an opponent 🤣🤣🤣🤣
The best thing going for the new manager is not even mentioned in this video. Liverpool is DEEP. If Alonso has plans to change up formations, I think there are so many different combinations of players that he can rely on. Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez are both playing fantastic right now. Both could start full time at many other clubs in the Prem. Diego Jota is possibly the most underappreciated offensive talent in football. Not the size of a traditional CF but the guy has amazing leaping ability and a world class finishing technique. Luis Diaz has fallen off a bit since his knee injury but I believe he still has potential to be a 15 goal getter for the club. Harvey Elliott is a full throttle machine, excellent energy and pressing. Connor Bradley looks ready to fill in as the future Roberston, an absolute workhorse on the defensive side. Stefan Bajcetic has fantastic skills that would only blossom more from the tutelage of a midfield master like Alonso. Endo and Tsimikas are both great options for cup and league games, or just to give others a spell. Talents out on loan as well in Calvin Ramsay and Fabio Carvalho could both play a role in the new Alonso look.
Klopp has left the cupboard full. Any new manager, Alonso or otherwise, will be thrilled with the options available.
Top analysis comrade.
forgot about bajcetic as well. could really be turned into world class with a manager like alonso who was a spanish midfielder just like he is. he’d thrive
My few comments on the general themes:
1. Have you watched Salah's passing, creativity and interviews over the past 18 months? He is adamant he is a creative player, a winger who also scores. If not, Harvey Elliott & Szoboszlai absolutely fit the profile and have over a decade in them each. Agree with the Gakpo choice for the role.
2. Watching Connor Bradley the last few games, he has took a role similar to Trent's original high-flying full-back form. Not totally unlike Frimpong's role.
3. The summer with loads of 8s coming in, Endo signing and ending Andre interest since feels like the club were thinking DM short-term, maybe a new system long term.
4. Konate, Virgil, Gomez would be the ideal back 3 (look at Gomez LB performances). Quansah could do the RCB & Central roles, but uncertain about the LCB. However, if we flip it, Sepp Van Den Berg could be in for a surprise return given his performances this year for Mainz (and his pace covering Trent).
5. Nuñez, now he is bedded in, could be the ideal complete forward. Tall, rapid, powerful, really willing to press, great movement. His finishing is the ONLY gap in his game, and he's looking to have found the remedy in recent weeks (to no sensible person's surprise given how he had the exact same adjustment season at Benfica). Jota, despite not havin size has everything else, could work at ST.
6. Mac Allister is perfect for a double pivot, I think Trent could thrive in the midfield (although a free role from RWB, adding numbers in the middle might be more useful). Gravenberch might fit Alonso's system but he turns the ball over too much to play in a 2 just now IMO. Jones would be perfect due to his versatility and engine (could also go back to his academy role as a forward though). Endo, as I said, could be a short term fit as one of the 2. Szobo & Elliott would both fit the attacking role if not deployed further up.
If we were to change system, I think we need a LWB and a CB (or two). I think Robbo fits the Frimpong attacking intent, but not the longevity. I know if Tsimikas has the dynamism to be so focal and Owen Beck is probably too raw still.
agreed. do u not feel that robbo could play in the lcb role? he has everything you need for the perfect "hincapie replace ment" (pace, great defensively, good on the ball, great moving forward.)
@@mandipleihal7052 I don't think he has the physical ability to be a permanent CB, I also think it would kind of be a waste of his attacking ability and drive to use him as a CB
@@mandipleihal7052 Hincapie isn't the starting LCB for Leverkusen. However i do think Robertson might work at LCB.
@@joewood791 I think Alonso might want a bit more 1v1 dribbling ability from one of his wing backs. So im not sure Robertson would play there.
@lexxihd5843 that's why I said I'm not sure Robbo would have longevity in the role. Age & being a full-back rather than a winger-turned-full-back mean he could deffo do the job initially but maybe not beyond a couple years, which is also why I said I think we would need a LWB.
Good analysis with a couple of glaring oversights in my opinion. Joe Gomez has been imperious recently and is perfect for one of those wide centre back positions. Also, with him, Konate and VVD there is pace in abundance, so not sure why you say that is a profile that is missing form the current players. Equally, in terms of first phase possession and build up, Quansah is a fantastic distributor (perhaps his strongest attribute), so again I'm not agreeing with your thinking here. Secondly, Gravenberch over Curtis Jones right now? I'll have some of what you're smoking please Jimbo! Finally, Andy Robertson is the highest assisting full back in premier league history, so how you perceive he wouldn't be able to play that 'wing back' role is baffling. In fact I'd say that's the perfect role for him - he has both pace and take on ability and obviously boasts a great delivery.
I appreciate this a purely hypothetical piece, and I do agree with a lot of your musings, and football is always about opinions after all. Whilst still mourning Jurgen's decision, I am actually excited at the prospect of an Alonso Liverpool.
I agree with you 100%, i just wonder if Robertson would be able to become a goal threat & fingers crossed he can be
What about Conner Bradley
first two points are completely correct and im confused on why James chose Quansah and Gravenberch over two of our players of the seasons Jones and Gomez. I love Robbo but James is spot on. Robertson and Tsimikas both lack 1v1 ability, press resistance, goal threat and overall creativity outside of crossing the ball. as overlapping fullbacks they are great but they arent creative machines or winger levels technically, which Frimpong is because they are the teams wingers. Beck and Bradley are both really good technically, but beck is an exceptionally good driver and dribbler of the ball, he could have breakout season under Xavi along with Bradley if played.
You need a left foot on the left of a back three.
@@lewismitchell9864 I love Robbo but James is spot on. Robertson and Tsimikas both lack 1v1 ability, press resistance, goal threat and overall creativity outside of crossing the bal
I think Connor Bradley been showing alot lately and could be a Wing back in Alonso's system
trent has to play tho
@@CDYR99doesn’t mean he has to play at fullback
He played as a winger at bolton too..can defo become a wing back
@@CDYR99I'm 100% sure any coming manager would play trent at deep lying playmaker mid role....like an "alonso role"
@@CDYR99Trent must play in midfield
I think Salah has already adapted his game to that of a creator this season
Exactly
The level of insight and class you bring to a football CZcams plain that is basically just “hot takes” is unmatched Alcott
Liverpool has basically played a 3-2-2-3 this season with Robertson-Tsimikas on the left going forward while Trent slotted next to the DM (which created its own problem), Szoboszlai being the midfielder going wide or inside depending on Salah's runs while Jones offered a polyvalent role in the second '8' role. It's basically a more advanced tactical set up than Alonso, using VVD and Konaté 1v1 ability to compensate the need for a 3rd CB to have more security.
you can take any shape in attack.. the formation is determined on defense.
We played a back three under Roy Evans but we didn’t have players like Robbo, kostas, Trent or Bradley back then, these players could all fill the role of wingback if called upon.
the beauty of this Liverpool team is that there are loads of players who can fit different roles at the same time, you can really work with this group and shape into what you would want, plus I wouldnt be so worried about the whole system and tactics changing since managers nowadays have realized that they gotta adjust and make sure they fit the team they got, also looking at the league they are playing in, one cannot completely change the team based on the one idea they have in their mind you cannot be successful that way
Interesting to what will happen with Diaz, Gakpo, Jota, Jones etc. I don't fancy a back 3 and love tricky, fast, explosive wingers. I think Alonso would have to tweak his ways to adapt to the squad he would inherit
Appreciate the analysis - but there are quite a few oversights in my opinion. Gomez has been playing extremely well and is very capable of being the 3rd CB in this system. I'd trust Robertson to play back there also and have Diaz - who has a great engine - to play as the wide left. Jones slots straight into Gravenberch's position and is superior in every way for now. Not sure I can forgive you for completely omitting JOTA in this analysis. He does exactly what you said Gakpo will do but better. Runs at backlines, is always in the box and is just deadly. Salah IS the creator in this team. He tops assists and big chances created. If Nunez improves his finishing, Salah would be CLEAR in assists. Probably another 3 minimum. The fact he scores a ton is what makes him the best right winger in the world. The last thing I want to add is that all these players are very malleable and can play a variety of roles. Klopp and the coaching staff have developed most of them to be able to play in many positions. So to say Alonso would rip it all up and build anew is... probably bait!
Alonso probably wouldn't rip it all out but he will be bringing in some of his own type of players so expect a few new players next season and I am very excited about that. depending what happens this season for me is another thing if it's runners up FC again I wouldn't even mind Alonso ripping everything up and selling players either way the klopp era will be done. Just because klopp rates these players doesn't mean the next manager will. And for me the first 11 isn't a we can't improve on ,it's not the team that had mane firminio fabinio wjinaldom now that team was difficult to improve on because it was so good.
As a Chelsea fan watching this i cant help but see similarities between Alonso's system & what Tuchel put together in his time at Chelsea
As a Liverpool fan this video just makes me so sad. I feel so unmotivated for whoever comes in. That being said, it's got to be Xabi
Why’s it got to be Xabi? He’s been a manager for all of 14/15 months… his europa league group was molde, hacken & qarabag! So not hard to see why he’s not lost a game so far which is doing all the heavy lifting for why he’s great, got to remember there’s only 3 good teams in Germany! (Bayern, Dortmund & Leipzig) he’s beaten only Leipzig….he may not even win anything this season!!. People are getting carried away cause of his connection with liverpool.
@@ashlfc4evawho do you think fits best then??
@@demonking5436 it’s a hard one cause there’s not a lot of managers available that play attacking football, gives youth a chance and has won things. I really rate de zerbi for the job he’s done. Outclassed us, Chelsea, Tottenham, Man Utd & arsenal with Brighton! Sold 2 of his key players in Macca & caicedo. Working on a strict budget and had loads of injuries to key players this season and somehow still ahead of Newcastle, Chelsea & Man Utd…. Odds on it’s going to be Alonso and I hope he proves me wrong and it’s not coming too soon for him
@@ashlfc4eva I rate de zerbi as a manager but defo not as a good character a manager should have...he just moans a lot and doesn't have the "aura" like other elite managers right now....and lfc aren't in a rebuild phase to sign managers like thomas frank,rdz,or an amorim... imo we need an elite manager who should have some sort of "aura" around him to still pull top talents right away
@@demonking5436 I can’t disagree with what you’ve said, Xabi does have that respect to be able to attract players id imagine, so that’s a big positive. Just the lack of experience that’s holding him back really
I think good managers adapt their tactics based on the players available, which is exactly what Xabi did at Leverkusen. Equally players also adapt to their managers tactics with time. But I would worry for some players if the same tactics are used. Where would Diaz fit? You can’t keep diaz, Jota & Gakpo on the bench & expect them to be happy, assuming Salah even stays of course. Same could be said with the midfielders & Trent who clearly wants to play there. The way you described the positions sounded like they’d be perfect for Gomez & Jones who are in the forms of their life so how they weren’t mentioned idk.
You can keep diaz jota and gakpo on the bench. in fact, two of them are on the bench even know+you have elliot. gakpo could (and he is playing sometime) playing as 10. however, the main point is you have a lot of matches and injuries and rotation is necessary. it is like 6 players for 3 posts, which is completely fine
First of all thanks a lot for the great work . I needed that Video . As an LFC fan since 1999 this is the first time I feel that lost and puzzled . I followed Klopp 5 years before he joins and I knew he was the perfect fit .
But now I really see we have a great squad and I think Zidane's system is the closest to our squad . Please make a video of that and I'm the first follower . Thanks man
The Roy Hodgson period felt pretty lost to me.... Period after we lost Torres and before we bought Suarez was bad. Think about when we had aquilani, or Paul Konchesky or Craig Bellamy... I can think times the team was much more lost and direction less.
Gomez in for Quansah, fits into the same mould of Hincapie. Pacey, experience in both fullback roles and incredible on the ball. The double pivot is easily Jones and AMA, a midfield with a priority of short quick passes and intelligent pressing and defending needs the both of them, plus they already have an incredible connection from this season. In terms of long term replacement for Salah in that 10 esque role, Harvey Elliott fits perfectly and should be developed as such. Great video
I’m not ready for this
We just changed systems this season and its working out great. I'm hoping we can get someone to build off Klopp instead of rip it apart and start afresh. This side has something special going for it already!
I agree with you 100% at least as far as we have something to build on the side shows a lot of promise.
Same, fs, don't want Alonso thinking it's La Liga or Bundesliga pace
@@TomtomjamesonAlonso played in the premier league he knows well
@@christopheraustrie He played in the prem years ago, games changed over here since then, also playing and managing is entirely different as all of us have witnessed with Lampard, Gerrard and Co lol
@@Tomtomjameson and klopp never played in the premier league ... whats your point
Thank you James for finally clarifying what unbeaten means.
I always love these videos and I appreciate your knowledge of the game, however you really never know for certain if a manager will keep the same system when arriving at a new club. I feel if he wants to get the best out of our current team he’s gonna have to hold on to some of those key elements of klopps style. He cannot just ditch it all, he will inevitably fail.
I say Joe Gomez is very similar to hincapie maybe you can clarify what the difference is he’s a little shorter but both have similar pace and experience in the LB/RB
i hope we get alonso man he is the perfect fit
Do not daydream....he is not season pro
He will go to Barca
He isn't
@@BSworldX Liverpool are bigger club than Barca so that would be an absolutely terrible move
No😒
Xabi will end up like Xavi 🤏
Wow this was soo good. Amazing work man
such a good video, really nice, simple but good analysis
10:32 Sharp, cerebral tactical analysis but cut with ridiculous Cooganesque humour is my CUP OF TEA man. Smashing it ❤
We don't need like for like, we need someone that can bring some fresh Ideas to the team , when needed to get over the line
exactly the video I was waiting for.
Great content as always james!
the fundamental in possession shapes would likely be formed from the 433 foundation already in place, for example you’d just invert trent to join the midfield two beside mac allister as we already do to shape what can often be a 3223, and suddenly you’re in a very similar shape, alonso hasn’t had the time at leverkusen to definitively say that leverkusen as they are atm are the way he wants to play and the kind of squad balance he would want to have, so it would be a very simplistic view to think he would come in and implement this exact system imo
Crazy take but Luis Díaz could potentially do the job of Frimpong, like we saw with saka he played full back we could train Díaz to do a bit of both and he’s electric in the attack.
Agree. Diaz has the pace, dribbling skills and stamina to take on that role
I don’t think alonso would play 3421 if he came to us I think he would replicate klopps play style as much as he could but with his own spin on it and bringing in a few of his own players
Exactly I dunno why people think he'll play with the same formation 😂
Look at klopp at Dortmund vs klopp at lfc....lewa and firmino are entirely different players and at Dortmund he played a pivot formation which he didn't at lfc...alonso's playstyle will be similar... strong in buildup from the back,counter press like klopp but possession like pep
Spot on but I really thing with this Liverpool squad is the strongest we ever had in the premier league history and I think he might work with these players first before looking at couple of players
Yeah. If he was to change things it would be gradual, over a couple of seasons. Xabi's not an idiot.
@@gomey70he won't be there for that many seasons, he will get the real Madrid job in 2026 😂
@@demonking5436you think Trent, salah will be at liverpool in next season 😂😂
Trent will get a good offer from real Madrid
salah will go to Saudi
😂😂
I like this tactics very much... in attacking moves it could be very efficient. Also for Szoboszlai it could be a perfect role and he coule show his real capabilities.
Really excellent analysis. Thank you.
I hope this does not happen at all. I want Alonso, but he needs to adapt if he takes the Liverpool job. United fell apart because Moyes tore the system up rather than building upon it, and every manager has done that since. Alonso needs to evolve his own game and build upon the team rather than razing it and starting his own thing. I think he should be given multiple years to do that, because it most likely wont be easy.
Your worry is valid tbh.
But if Alonso's coaching philosophy is to set up with the strength of his players.....and he is a big proponent of youth development.
So for me Xabi or Frank Thomas are the best choice.
The thing is Moyes ripped apart the Utd team with old guard in it and the fanbase don't like it. This team however is young apart from one or two players, there's no need of ripping it all he has to do is adapt to it and tweak a bit to suit his liking
Alonso needs to stay in Germany. This is far too risky for both him and Liverpool. Gerrard looked like a top manager in the making but turned out to be rubbish, and before people say the Scottish league is weak, he did well in the Europa league with them too. Pep Lijnders should have had the chance to take over, he's young, a clever tactician and there wouldn't have to be a full overhaul. If it went wrong either Klopp could be asked if he fancies coming back after a break or we could see whether Alonso was a one season wonder or not.
I like the idea of Thomas Franck taking over, however Liverpool might thinking if we don't get Alonso now Bayern or Real Madrid might pick him up in a year or 2..
Cracking breakdown as always Jim! Gomez and Jones deserve some respect though, been so good this season and can play in multiple positions to fit whatever system the new manager, whoever that'll be want's to play.
If you are to go with this exact replica style of play. An alternative and interesting scenario could be: TAA plays the Grimaldo role (on the right side of course) - however, Luis Diaz plays the Frimpong role on the left side.
He is lightening quick, skillful, has an eye for goal and an assist
I appreciate your content. What application do you use?
What's the app/website you use to show the line-ups and formations called? Great, informative video by the way 😁
top work
Would love to see a similar video for roberto de zerbi. Contrary to popular belief i think he would be a much better manager for the current liverpool squad
9:37 from watching most of the highlights of Owen beck and what he provides. I think he would fit that profile but he's also very Robertson-esque
I've been posting this exact formation on previous videos for over a year.
Salah is no long the wing destroyer but a smart playmaker, and I wanted Trent and Robbo as left and right midfield with 3 cbs. I mean may aswell if Konate is having to spend most of a game moving from CB to RB for cover.
Jota and Gakpo and Elliot are also incredibly versatile in their abilities across the attacking front
There is a reason why Klopp is the "Heart" of a team. He pushes his team to perform beyond 100%. That is something that no many manager can achieve.
I think you're squaring a circle with this analysis.
Robertson could play that Frimpong role but with a slightly different style. He’s better at combinations to create space than he is at take ons and combining with Szoboszlai, Jota or Diaz on that left side he would be perfect. You could argue Diaz could play that role too, he’s very underrated defensively.
We've seen this season Salah taking on more of a facilitator role and he's ended up having what looked to be one of his best goal scoring seasons (before he got injured) just because I think he's more involved in everything we do and not feeling obligated to make it all happen by himself. His overall play is the best its ever been.
Joe Gomez as left centre back, Salah in that RF 10, Robertson has shown his ability to adapt easy-peasy transition
I agree James, Liverpool will change under Alonso. Where I disagree slightly is how much. Alonso is smart enough to adapt his ideas to fit the kind of players Liverpool have. His Leverkusen ideas are there to fit the players.
Quansah is class he's calm and collected and has excellent position awerness big part of our future
De zerbi playsyle would fit look wat he's doing with mitoma, trapping e opposition using a 4-2 back line living a 4 vs 4 situation in attack for dribbling players like salah and diaz to do their dribbling duties it's a masterclass
I think Amorim is a good shout, if alonso doesn't come, he plays with gegenpressing, and when it comes to language he can go through alisson, nunez or diaz if he wants to communicate something in his own language.
Wow, great video ngl. I had no idea alonsos style was so different to klopps. It would be a drastic change and I’m not sure if it would work so well. All this is making me increasingly nervous
Hello. What program/application did you use to draw, circle the players on the images in the video?
Same
I think Bradley can play that frimpong role as well. Also Harvey can slot in that right side 10 role as well....
What about Diaz in that Ftinpong role on the left? He’s quick, good at dribbling and is tenacious so would get back to help out defensively a little
Would love a “how England set up under Klopp and Mourinho” gotta be good for the clicks! keep it up Jim
i can see it working tbh, the 3-4-3 alonso plays is more or less the same as what liverpool play at times. We’ll have the left back tuck in as that left centre back and trent will step into midfield either as a technical RWB or szoboszlai will push out wide, then diaz on the left will come deeper at times to receive the ball at times like a bit of a LWB, on the ball we can use this system 100% it’s more or less identical but off the ball is where we might see some change but tbh trent being pushed further forward defensively might not be such a bad thing
Arguably Jurgen was moving towards a three at the back, with a left sided CB (ah hem Colwill) allowing Virg to go central. Then double pivot to two in front, Trent being one of them, MacA has also taken the 6 role but as a passer from deep. Quite an interesting convergence...Dom doing the Frimpong role perhaps aswell going forward??
Or Bradley
Don't think he wasn't going for 3 at the back, perhaps he want Colwil cos he can play LB and LCB and then move VVD to RCB occasionally
Alonso is smart enough to deploy different setups according to the strength of the players, he will not rip everything apart like you said
He might want to bring Wirtz with him aswell. Liverpool already got a lot of players for that position, however Wirtz is just so good that it would be a missed opportunity. That guy is on a level with Musiala
Just came from the video on Xabi from November
if xabi won't join liverpool i want to see de zerbi as the reds manager, he fits there really well
Does anyone know what (programme?) he uses for the annotations?
Yes Nunez is so agrssive and motivate his partners to be involved and Liusz is also fit to the system. Jot I love to see in exchangin with Darwin., as Liverpool is huge team to wide the squads.
Great vid, really well thought out & delivered. Makes a lot of sense & does nothing to dispel the idea that Alonso would theoretically be a great fit for Liverpool. I think I'm all in on Alonso now tbh, rightly or wrongly. Minor tweak with regard to current personnel, Gomez would probably be best suited for the left CB position imo. Was also thinking about how Carvalho might get another chance in that inside 10 roll once he returns from his loan after Klopp leaves. On a slightly separate note, I'm desperate to see Liverpool draw Leverkusen in the Europa League at some point too. A passing of the baton maybe?
Appreciate the amazing analysis...this is A1 man...Interesting observation in the players yo put in the line up. I used mostly how we can do to get the best out of Xabi's formation and strategy:
-----------------Becker-----------------
Konate-------Virgil-------Robertson
Trent-----Endo------Macca-----Diaz
-------Salah---------------Szobo---------
-----------------Darwin-----------------
The left centerback role is one that is up for debate, with Gomez and Quansah really the understudies there, but in the future, it ill be more of Quansah's position than anything else, with Diaz and Robertson rotating the the LWB role depending on opposition and injuries. The versatility of Gomez kinda hurts him in a way coz the fact that he can play so many positions on the defensive end takes away from him being a specialist in one position, i.e. the Milner Effect.
Trent being in the RWB position will help Salah move into more dangerous areas than a traditional 10. When Trent has the ball in the more central position higher in the pitch, Salah can move higher to the central position (more of a 10 than a 9, were he can create and still be able to dribble in and score) or towards the right (Similar position to the one he is playing now).
Diaz is the perfect person o play that Frimpong role to a T.
Endo will stay more to home and help with the defense and Macca is able to push up more and help create going forward.
Szobo will operate in that roaming position and also mostly being the trigger when we are pressing the opposition defense...
While we defend, Trent has to also help in the midfield to swamp the opposition attack, but also not leaving too much space to leave Konate exposed, similarly .
That's a mouthful😅
Instead of 3-4-2-1 I feel that we might see a 3-4-3 with the front three more likely to shift around or 3-4-2-1 with Salah more like an decoy for long balls but Nunez might be a hold-up and facilitator? And can you explore how Alonso used his players in his previous teams?
What apps you use for drawing the position, man?
Szoboszlai’s engine cannot be wasted at 10. He is very good skilfully but his pressing is one of the most important parts of his game and Liverpool’s game. We need him as an 8
Watch Leverkusen. Xabi needs 10s that press well.
I think the Key to liverpools ongoing success under any manager is the transition between klopps style and the new style of play. I think to come in and rip up
what’s already working would be foolish but to slowly transition towards a new style of play would make sense
What program do you use to draw on plays?
If you put Trent in midfield and Robertson in the back 3 you get something quite similar to Liverpools 3-BOX-3 and I think Luis Diaz is the ideal candidate for the Frimpong role with Bradley as back up. That would bring about the need to sign a Grimaldo type but I think it would be a good starting point for the evolution of the team
I'd argue Robertson could actually do the Hincapie role. Tucking in but able to drive the ball forward through the middle
Joe Gomez would be perfect for that wide CB role to be fair, already kinda does it from left back in the current system. Backup would need to be bought, but I'm not sure why you left out Gomez there. Also, he might not play a 3 he tends to play what is best for the players available and he has played a 4 in the past so it wouldn't surprise me either way if he sticks with the 433 Liverpool already play or swaps to the 3421. Think Szoboszlai in that Wirtz role (where he plays for Hungary) would be sensational. Good analysis as always though mate.
Joe Gomez over Quansah at LCB all day , has experience playing at LB, is a much better 1v1 defender , good at driving forward , would be perfect in a 3.
I do love that this has become Alonso’s tactical philosophy and formation because Liverpool fans should be familiar with this system
2005, Istanbul
After the Kewell injury and the half time change taking Finnan off for Hamann the common thought is that Gerrard played right back which is party true
Riise who was initially played at Left wing shifted back to left back
Traore, Hyypia and Carragher played as a fluid back three/four
Giving Gerrard the ability to play as a marching right wing back/ inverted midfielder
Alonso who was initially the defensive midfielder got given the opportunity to play as the 8
With Smicer and Garcia playing as the 10s
It’s really cool to see as a fan that probably one of the best tactical changes a Liverpool manager has ever made, is now the key philosophy of our potential future manager and former player who played in that system
James you forgot joe gomez at left cb
Could quite easily just mirror his Leverkusen side and have Robertson as the bombing full back and Trent as the inverted playmaker which makes a lot more sense and is much better suited to Liverpool's squad. Bradley is a very good aggressive attacking right back getting lots of game time right now.
Gomez was great a while back next to Van Dijk, but then he got injured and Matip came back (but we also played Philips and....forgot the name of the kid....but I can see his face in front of me....anyway, we played them cause Matip and Gomez were both injured =). Also, knowing how Alonso played and his passing still in the training ground....I'm pretty sure he could make Trent into a player like himself......but slightly more offensive
Great video but you missed something. Usually Leverkusen is playing with Tapsoba, Tah an Kossonou in the back. Tapsoba and Kossouno are at the Africa Cup. So that is why Hncapie was playing. So Alonso is mostly playing with three real center backs. And if he brings someone with him then it would be one of those two, not Hincapie and also most likely not Tah becaus he plays the central role there.
Subbed
Interesting translation but just like Klopp, Alonso probably would adapt his own tactics to what Liverpool already has. Also Salah this season already got converted into a more assist-oriented role by Klopp, staying wide to make key passes into the box after attracting defenders towards him & making space for the others, so the #10 role in Alonso system isn't that much of a concern. I think the only one who needs major adjustment by his system would be Robertson as you mentioned due to his lack of dribbling, Tsimikas might be slightly better but again I'm sure Alonso would be smart enough to fine tune & compensate.
Player for player Utds squad fit his style of play better
2 floating 10’s ? Mount & Bruno
Cms ? Mainoo & perhaps a signing
Left sided cb good on the ball ? Martinez
Highly doubt he’d go there but I feel like his system and directness in the final third fits Utd very well
Watching a few analysis videos on Alonso's Leverkusen so far gave me the feeling that Harvey Elliot and Fabio Carvalho could see more minutes under Alonso than under Klopp given how Alonso likes to play with two advanced 10s.
Masterclass
Quansah is a super talent one of the best around trust me but I agree for balance sake a left footed is needed with pace and better technical ability for the build up
I think this could be a great move for Salah in particular. I doubt that he wants to be blitzing down the wing well into his thirties.
if we do go for 3421 i say we but joe gomez at lcb as he has experience with the lb role vvd in he middle and konate on the right allowing robertson and trent to push up when needed
Great video Jim, but I really think that Alonso would choose his tactics based on the personnel he has and not the other way around. It’s pretty clear our squad would not fit his current system at Leverkusen, so should he be appointed I would be shocked if he translated his system 1:1
I think Harvey elliptical deserves a shout in Gakpos position, he could thrive in that right-sided CAM role.
I absolutely love alonsos tactics
when Amine Adli plays he holds the width and grimaldo drops into the half-space they could do a similar thing with salah and trent!
What program or website are you using to illustrate plays and formations?
Same
Great seeing the commenst here. Robertson is a higly skilled player, he's not quite as quick as he was two years ago, but he couid easily play in this formation. Frimpong, IMO isn't anywhere near as good as Robbo, even on his best day. He looks great, because, he is in a far easier League. Gomez, is proving his mettle as a wonderfully skilled all-round defender. Its been great seeing that kid grow.
do a video on potential signings and departments to fit this sysem