This week on the Review we have a long chat about the Liverpool manager’s unlikely team and captaincy selection against West Ham United.
How well did Liverpool actually play? Who performed for The Reds? What should they have done differently until the break?
Neil Atkinson hosts Sean Rogers and Paul Cope on this one. To listen subscribe here or go to Bandcamp here.
Felt like this could be the beginning of a template away from home. The shape felt more secure at the back, with two #6s with a specific remit. Without sacrificing all attacking support, the fullbacks have been more reserved the last few games (since United?). It also played to the squad’s strengths going forward. We’re at our best when we’re running at teams, turning opponents.
In different ways, our setup reminded me of 2 teams I’m quite interested in lately, Leipzig & Lazio (Yes, I am evil). In fact, we ended up playing Leipzig’s formation, 4-2-2-2. At their best, both these teams & classic Dortmund are able to allow opposition forward in a controlled way, nick the ball & immediately attack. The Liverpool attack is suited more to this than to buildup play in the opponent’s final 3rd. Simultaneously, it allows for more a bit more cover, so that it doesn’t feel like the opposition have to beat 1 man to get in on goal.