Liverpool compromise on heavy metal football the right move to go platinum

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  • Jurgen Klopp’s first season at Anfield was full of promise. Liverpool had begun to regress under Brendan Rodgers but the German’s fresh ideas, infectious personality and fast-paced brand of football had the red half of Merseyside dreaming of great things.

    The progress into his second season was ominous. The upbeat melodic tunes were cranked up, way up, and Klopp had neighbours wringing their fists at the heavy metal waves emanating from his garage. Lead guitarist Philippe Coutinho dropped out but new axeman Mohamed Salah stepped up and then they really took the show on the road.

    The football was irresistible, bordering on reckless even and always made for a spectacular watch. It was crazy, so crazy that it nearly worked, taking them to the cusp of European glory only to fall at the final hurdle while a porous defence meant they had to settle for fourth in the Premier League.

    Into his third campaign now and still trophyless, Klopp has a few new arrangements in mind. It’s proved to be less head-banging and more head-bobbing. Their legion of fans are somewhat disappointed but they’re more radio-friendly and a hit with record labels. They aren’t quite as captivating live but audiences remain engrossed and they’re testing off the charts.

    Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Vicarage Road over the weekend is evidence of that. They struggled to break down Watford’s resistance and the scoreline flattered them in the end but the result was never in doubt, only the approach now more methodical.

    Xherdan Shaqiri’s form has forced Klopp to try to include him where possible and that’s led to a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, the same that was deployed on Saturday. The main benefits of the system apart from accommodating the Swiss are that he doesn’t have to sacrifice any of Liverpool’s big three in attack.

    Mohamed Salah has been more involved through the middle.

    Mohamed Salah has been more involved through the middle.

    It’s even helped Mohamed Salah be more involved through the middle as a centre forward after the Egyptian endured a slow start – by his own lofty standards – in the early stages of the season. He’s getting more touches in dangerous areas and having more shots from inside the box.

    Meanwhile, a double pivot in midfield makes for a more formidable core, offering their defence – which has steadily improved through Virgil van Dijk’s growing influence – greater protection.

    However, they do compromise on the fluidity they enjoyed last season. There are questions being asked of the current shape Klopp seems to employ with increasing regularity but such inquisitions are misguided.

    The Reds have still played a 4-3-3 formation more often than not this season but the roles assigned to players within it have been altered. Subtle tweaks have left them less vulnerable at the back, chief among them being their less aggressive and more calculated press.

    Liverpool don’t look nearly as threatening as they did last season but perhaps that shouldn’t be the priority, especially in the Champions League. The stability of the 4-2-3-1 system has been encouraging while it also poses enough avenues in attack.

    The Reds have conceded just five goals from 13 games in the Premier League this term. The improvement from a defensive standpoint is palpable and while the current system – still in its infancy – hasn’t produced breathtaking football, it’s proved incredibly efficient.

    Klopp has started in a 4-2-3-1 formation five times this season with great success. It has yielded five wins and a whopping 16 goals with only one in reply. Granted, it’s not always easy on the eye and it’s only been used against Southampton, Red Star, Cardiff City, Fulham and Watford so far, but you can’t argue with the results.

    Liverpool face Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night with a place in the Champions League round of 16 up for grabs. Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, both injury doubts ahead of the clash, seem set to win their respective fitness races.

    Their inclusion will demand a meticulous away performance from the Reds, one they’re better equipped to produce this season and they have the surprisingly pragmatic musings of their manager to thank for that.

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