Arne Slot’s 25-26 Liverpool tactics explained - narrow build-up, left
overload, right isolation, and how Isak transforms the attack in
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Liverpool have endured one of, if not, the best transfer windows in Premier League history, following the signings of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, Miloš Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. However, the madness wouldn’t end there as, on Deadline Day, the Reds completed the sensational transfer of Alexander Isak from Newcastle for £130m – a deal that, with their accumulative £400m+ window, sends out a tangible statement of intent ahead of their title-defending campaign. In this article, I’ll be demonstrating how Liverpool have set-up tactically so far in 25/26 and how Alexander Isak transforms this incredible team! Firstly, let’s break down what Liverpool have done tactically so far this campaign.
Narrow Build-up Shape
In 24/25, Liverpool’s build-up structure and intentions were clear, but very difficult to prevent: They would draw the opposition higher using short, slower tempo passes, before going more direct into the frontline. Whilst parts of this strategy have remained thus far, further intentions and intricacies have been introduced by Arne Slot to make Liverpool even better in build-up.
Firstly, the two centre-backs will more often move wider from goal-kicks and build-up to create central space for either the goalkeeper or one of the double-pivot to move into; The full-backs’ resulting movements are unprecedented, in truth, as, rather than moving even wider and hugging the touchline, Liverpool’s full-back’s will position themselves slightly higher and more narrower in ‘quarter-back’-esque positions, creating an almost 2-2 shape, whilst the double-pivot usually remain slightly higher too, essentially creating another line of ‘2’, creating an almost 2-2-2 build-up shape, as illustrated below:
This narrow build-up shape creates favourable conditions for Liverpool’s enticing build-up, providing ideal situations and distances between players to allow for spurts of quicker, more intricate rotation of possession.
The intentions in Liverpool’s build-up are different too – in 24/25, Liverpool often moved the ball wider from build-up before penetrating the half-spaces from deep with progressive passes; This season, however, there’s been a clear idea demonstrated by Liverpool to progress centrally, predominantly through passes around the corner into Wirtz/Ekitiké between the lines and consequential ‘one-twos’. An example of this can be seen below:
[Blue: Initial pass from CB; Yellow: Pass around the corner from a DM; Green: ‘One-two’ opportunities for CAM + ST]
Left-Side Overload to Right-Side Isolation
Another tactical component implemented by Arne Slot this season has been the clear intention to overload the left-side with as many as 7 players in relational ‘clusters’ to reinforce ball-retention through shorter passes, before switching the ball out to the right-side where Salah holds the width; From here, the right-back can arrive from a deeper position to overlap or underlap, creating 1v1 isolation for Salah against a full-back – an ideal situation for Liverpool! An example from Liverpool’s game vs Crystal Palace and an example of my tactic successfully recreating said situation can both be seen below:
[Image Credit: ACFC – YouTube]
[Left-side overload for right-side isolation, as depicted by my tactic’s recreation]
READ ALSO: Amorim’s Plan to REVIVE Manchester United | FM24 RecreationIsak’s Impact
Now, onto the part you’ve all been waiting to read – the impact Alexander Isak could have on Liverpool’s tactics! Well, to anticipate this, we have to understand what Arne Slot wants from his striker, what Slot’s current striker (Ekitike) provides and how Isak’s profile and characteristics suit the role.
Firstly, Arne Slot desires a relatively complete profile upfront – a player that can drop deep, hold-up play or run in-behind; Ekitike can complete one of these tasks to a really high level, whilst being sufficient in the other two regards, as his link-up play from dropping deep is very strong – however, he’s not the strongest from riding challenges on his back from big, strong centre-backs and lacks the aerial success to consistently hold-up play. Lastly, whilst he's quite quick when running in-behind, it’s not what he necessarily wants to do on the pitch, as he’s more likely going to drop off from the frontline than run beyond.
Isak, however, provides two of Arne Slot’s desires to a very high level, in his link-up play and runs in-behind, whilst being a better, more potent ‘holder-up’ of the ball, thanks to his wiry, but strong frame and competent aerial ability. As a result, Liverpool will have more consistent strings to their bow, allowing them to exploit many an opportunity both in-possession and in-transition.
Finally, much like Ekitike, Isak loves to move wider when his team have possession, especially drifting towards the left-side – with Ekitike starting too, perhaps at left-wing, there could be an opportunity for unpredictability in a potential partnership and resulting rotations.
At Liverpool, I anticipate Isak being asked to largely remain on the line of defence, however, being given licence to situationally drop deeper in tandem with Wirtz. To reflect this, I used the ‘Complete Forward’ role with the ‘Attack’ duty in-game, rather than the same role with the ‘Support’ duty, which I’d say better reflects Ekitike’s profile instead.
Let’s Break Down the Tactic
In Possession
When Liverpool has the ball, Slot wants them to build up from the backline regularly – from here, they use shorter passes, before penetrating centrally or moving the ball into the left-side, wherefrom their clusters can be formed. Within their possession, Liverpool can switch between complete control and conclusive chaos, by going more direct and passing the ball into space for attackers to chase in-behind. Finally, once they’ve entered the final third, Liverpool uses a multitude of rotations, before working the ball into the box.
In Transition
When Liverpool loses the ball, they will immediately try and regain possession through an aggressive counter-press; If successful, they will often devastatingly hit teams on the counter-attack. Finally, when Liverpool has goal-kicks, Alisson will slow the pace down to try and draw the opposition’s press higher, before distributing short to the centre-backs.
Out of Possession
When Liverpool don’t have the ball, they try and remain protagonists by enforcing an aggressive, often relentless high-press. To supplement said high-press, Liverpool’s defensive line will squeeze higher to compact the space in midfield – this regularly forces the opposition into long-balls. Finally, from within this high press, Liverpool can engage man-to-man, especially if their central pressing trap has been triggered.
READ ALSO: Arsenal 25/26 FM24 Tactics – Arteta’s Winning Blueprint
Player Roles
Sweeper Keeper – Support
In goal, Alisson will sometimes join build-up to form a temporary back-three – when he doesn’t, he is used as a backwards passing option for retention. When Liverpool don’t have the ball, Alisson will actively engage in sweeping and cross-claiming actions. Therefore, I felt this role was perfect. No additional instructions.
Full-Back – Attack
Dominik Szoboszlai has been used as a right-back in light of Frimpong’s injury and has been absolutely fantastic. From this position, he will move higher and will sit narrower, situationally positioning himself in the right half-space. When he gets the ball, he will regularly utilise his elite vision and passing range to try and find the likes of Salah in-behind. Additionally, Szoboszlai will carry the ball often to try and aid deep progression. Finally, when Liverpool don’t have the ball, Szoboszlai will aggressively press and hassle the opposition. Therefore, I felt this role was most suitable, with the added instructions:
Central Defender – Defend
So far in 25/26, Konaté has largely relinquished his ball-playing role from 24/25 to focus on ball retention, and this is reflected by this choice of role. In build-up, as with his partner Van Dijk, Konaté will move wider – as demonstrated by the role’s added instruction:
Ball-Playing Defender – Defend
Whilst Konaté has largely relinquished his ball-playing role, in 25/26, van Dijk has assumed said role and, thus, often progresses play through line-breaking passes and carries. Like Konaté, Van Dijk will move wider in build-up. Therefore, I felt this role was also perfect, with the added instructions:
Full-Back – Support
In this position, to a great extent, Kerkez has undertook the role of Andrew Robertson from last season. From here, Kerkez sits narrower and deeper. When he receives the ball, Kerkez regularly carries the ball forward and crosses into the box. Finally, when 1v1 against an opposition attacker, Kerkez has proven to a robust character, launching himself into tenacious tackles. Therefore, I felt this role was optimal, with the added instructions:
(DMCR) Defensive Midfielder – Support
In this position, Ryan Gravenberch continues to be the linchpin for this Liverpool team, receiving the ball in midfield and frequently carrying the ball forward from deep, as seen in the role’s instructions pictured below:
%20Defensive%20Midfielder%20%E2%80%93%20Support.webp "(DMCR) Defensive Midfielder – Support")
(DMCL) Defensive Midfielder – Support
In this position, Mac Allister will usually move wider to supplement the left-side overloads or receive outside of the opposition’s press/block. Additionally, when Liverpool have possession, Mac Allister can sometimes crash the box. Therefore, I felt this role was most ideal, with the added instructions:
%20Defensive%20Midfielder%20%E2%80%93%20Support.webp "(DMCL) Defensive Midfielder – Support")
Attacking Midfielder – Support
Florian Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for a deal worth in the region of £116m, and his quality was clear to see in the second half of Liverpool’s 1-0 win vs title rivals Arsenal. In this position, he will constantly roam from his position to try and receive the ball in optimal positions to progress play – typically between the lines. Upon receiving the ball in these positions, Wirtz will carry the ball forward before trying to create for the attacker ahead of him. Therefore, I felt this role was perfect, with the added instructions:
Inverted Winger – Attack
Salah continues to be the maverick in Liverpool’s set up and, in this role, he’s allowed complete freedom to receive wide, before cutting inside with the ball and choosing whether to shoot, create or cross – these crosses are usually aimed for the back-post. When Liverpool don’t have the ball, both wingers are typically asked to lead the press by pressing from out-to-in against the opposition centre-backs. Therefore, I felt this role was best to replicate his role in-real-life, with the influx of added instructions:
Inside Forward – Support
In this position, Gakpo has predominantly been the starter and, from here, he is the primary width-holder on the left – despite this, he can drift around the pitch in tandem with Wirtz and Ekitike to endlessly rotate and find gaps to exploit. Additionally, when Liverpool have the ball in transition and in-possession, Gakpo will crash the back-post to score tap-ins, primarily from Salah crosses. Upon receiving the ball, Gakpo has tried to carry often and launch direct switches of play. Finally, as aforementioned, the wingers in this system lead the press. Therefore, I felt this role was most ideal, with the added instructions:
Complete Forward – Attack
As previously mentioned in this article, I articulated my decision for this role: Isak is fantastic at linking play and running in-behind, whilst his wiry, lanky frame provides him with ideal conditions to consistently hold-up play; This role replicates that in-game best, with the added instructions:
Opposition Instructions
Results
Premier League
In the league, we ran away with the title after securing the trophy in just the middle of April with, ultimately, 101 accumulated. Of our 38 league games, we won 32 games, drew 5 games and lost just 1 game. In our 38 league games, we scored 110 goals and conceded just 22 goals – the best record for each statistic.
Domestic Cups
We began the season as we meant to go on by winning the Community Shield, beating Crystal Palace 0-3 at Wembley. Unfortunately, however, we were unable to replicate such success in the Carabao Cup, ultimately being knocked out in the Quarter-Finals by West Ham on penalties in London.
We managed to avenge our failure in the Carabao Cup by returning to Wembley and succeeding once more, winning the FA Cup, following a 3-1 win over sworn enemy Manchester United. But could we secure a historic treble by winning Europe’s most prestigious club prize?
UEFA Champions League
You ought to believe it! We won Liverpool’s 7th Champions League title, following a 0-2 win in the Final against recent domestic rival Manchester City. On our way to the final, we overcame the challenges of Real Madrid (1-1P), Inter Milan (1-5) and Celtic (8-1), after successfully navigating a group containing Borussia Dortmund, Viktoria Plzen and Crvena Zvezda.
Conclusion
It is understandable why fans and pundits alike are incredibly excited looking ahead to Alexander Isak’s debut at Liverpool, as it feels like a proper ‘line in the sand’ moment for the Champions who will, no doubt, be challenging once again in 25/26 – perhaps unstoppable? Perhaps incredibly fun? Perhaps too over-exuberant? Only time will tell…
If you want a taste of this extraordinary tactic, make sure to download the tactics using the link attached to this article and follow FM Blog and myself (@AshtonGgmu) on our respective socials. I hope you have enjoyed this article, and I wish you much success with this tactic on your saves!
