Is Trent's Absence Hitting Liverpool Hard This Season?

Trent Alexander-Arnold's absence has left a significant gap in Liverpool's tactical setup this season, impacting their ability to progress the ball effectively and create chances. His unique skill set, particularly his passing range and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses, has not been adequately replaced, contributing to Liverpool’s struggles in both attacking and defensive phases.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure has severely affected Liverpool's build-up play.
• New signings need time to adapt, but tactical cohesion is lacking.
• Short build-up play has become a significant issue for the Reds.
• Liverpool's long passing and switches of play have drastically decreased this season.
• Upcoming matches against defensive teams will challenge Liverpool's current tactics.

The Impact of Alexander-Arnold on Liverpool’s Play

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a pivotal player for Liverpool, contributing not only defensively but also significantly to the team's attacking transitions. His departure to Real Madrid has left the squad grappling with adjustments that extend beyond merely filling a position. Liverpool's style has always relied on quick transitions and exploiting spaces, and Alexander-Arnold's absence has revealed vulnerabilities in their tactics.

Transitioning from Defence to Attack

The Premier League is renowned for its tactical intricacies, with teams deploying various defensive setups. Against well-organised defences, teams can either play through pressure or bypass it with long balls. Liverpool’s struggles in transitioning from defence to attack without Alexander-Arnold have become evident as they have faced increased pressure from opposing teams.

For instance, during a match against Tottenham Hotspur last season, Alexander-Arnold's ability to utilise his weaker foot allowed him to make crucial passes that helped Liverpool evade Spurs’ high press. In contrast, Liverpool's current right-back, Conor Bradley, has struggled under similar pressure, often retreating to safer passes rather than advancing play, which stifles Liverpool's attacking rhythm.

Staggered Midfield Dynamics

One of the defining features of Liverpool’s attacking play was their staggered midfield positioning. Alexander-Arnold frequently found himself in the right place at the right time, facilitating quick one-touch passes that moved the ball upfield efficiently. The introduction of new signings like Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai has helped maintain some of this structure, but the loss of Alexander-Arnold's unique spatial awareness and passing precision has been keenly felt.

When Bradley is in possession, he tends to play conservatively, which disrupts the flow of Liverpool's play. This stagnation has forced players like Szoboszlai to drop deeper to collect the ball, reducing their impact in the final third and limiting Liverpool's attacking options.

Changes in Passing Strategy

Another notable change this season has been Liverpool's approach to long passing and switches of play. Last season, Alexander-Arnold averaged an impressive 11.3 long passes per 90 minutes, showcasing his ability to find wingers like Mohamed Salah in advanced positions. This season, Liverpool's defenders have collectively reduced their long passing frequency, with Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong averaging only 3.7 and 1.1 long passes per 90 minutes, respectively.

This reduction not only hampers Liverpool's ability to exploit width but also allows opposing teams to remain compact and organised, as they can anticipate Liverpool's predictable build-up play. The decreased effectiveness in switching play has led to more stagnant attacking phases, with defenders often left with the ball and limited options to advance.

Florian Wirtz's Role in the Midfield

Florian Wirtz, one of Liverpool's marquee signings, has been tasked with adapting his role to compensate for the lack of attacking dynamism from the right side. While Wirtz possesses exceptional technical skills and vision, his dropping deeper to collect the ball has limited his ability to influence the game in the final third. This tactical adjustment, while necessary, has resulted in Liverpool not fully utilising his potential as an attacking midfielder.

In comparison to his previous role at Bayer Leverkusen, where he received the ball higher up the pitch, Wirtz is now frequently found operating in deeper zones. This shift not only affects his individual contributions but also disrupts the overall attacking flow Liverpool has relied upon.

Challenges Ahead: Upcoming Matches

As Liverpool gears up to face Manchester United, they will encounter a team that is likely to exploit their current vulnerabilities. Under manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United has occasionally adopted a more defensive 5-4-1 formation, aimed at disrupting Liverpool’s fluid attacking style. This tactical shift could further exacerbate Liverpool's challenges, particularly in maintaining possession against a well-organised defence.

With Liverpool's central defenders likely to see more of the ball, their limitations in breaking down compact defensive shapes will be tested. If United effectively blocks central passing lanes, it will force Liverpool to rely on less effective long passes and may neutralise the threat posed by players like Isak and Salah.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Liverpool

Liverpool’s current season has been marred by challenges in tactical execution, particularly in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold. His unique abilities not only enhanced Liverpool's attacking output but also provided stability in defensive transitions. As the team adapts to new players and evolving tactics, the upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining their ability to recover from recent setbacks.

The questions surrounding Liverpool’s tactics highlight the importance of adaptability in football. Will they find a way to compensate effectively for Alexander-Arnold’s absence, or will they continue to struggle against well-organised defences? Only time will tell, but the need for a tactical rethink is evident. #LiverpoolFC #TrentAlexanderArnold #PremierLeague

FAQs

How has Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence affected Liverpool's performance this season?

Trent Alexander-Arnold's absence has led to decreased efficiency in Liverpool's build-up play and reduced long passing capabilities, making it harder to create scoring opportunities.

What tactical adjustments have Liverpool made without Alexander-Arnold?

Liverpool has attempted to adapt by using new signings like Florian Wirtz in deeper roles, although this has limited their attacking effectiveness and flow.

How does Liverpool's current passing strategy compare to last season?

This season, Liverpool's long passing and switches of play have significantly decreased, affecting their ability to exploit defensive weaknesses and maintain attacking momentum.

What challenges do Liverpool face in their upcoming matches?

Liverpool faces the challenge of breaking down well-organised defences, particularly against teams like Manchester United that may adopt defensive formations to neutralise their attacking threats.

Can Liverpool still compete for titles without Alexander-Arnold?

While it is challenging, Liverpool's squad depth and talent could still allow them to compete for titles, but they will need to adapt tactically to mitigate Alexander-Arnold's absence.