Every once in a while, there appears a ‘freak’ team that is blessed by the Gods of football for a year and ends up having a miracle season, the relics of which appear unrepeatable. Leicester City of 2015–16 seems to be its best example in the Premier League. While the concept of ‘miracle’ teams sounds fascinating, clubs with a history of silverware shouldn’t have to pray for it in order to win titles. Such is the misfortune of Liverpool, whose fans have spent decades longing for that team that could win them the coveted Premier League. Since 2008, Liverpool has come second thrice and 5 times in the top four. The intervals at which they came close to the trophy were enough to make fans believe that only a miracle team can save the reds.
Enter Jurgen Klopp. With five years of a solid plan and instilling tactics in seemingly average players, he has built a formidable side. In the last four years, the reds were fourth, fourth, second, and finally champions. So, when Liverpool lost the title by a mere point last season, fans weren’t hopeless but proud, because they knew that a foundation had been established, and they wouldn’t have to wait for another miracle team for 5 years before they could have another chance to win. That is precisely what happened this season as Liverpool lifted the PL after 30 years.
But what were these tactical values that led the Merseyside team to glory?
Building from the back
Klopp’s tactical approach, like many from his school of thought like Pep and Sarri, is to build-up play from the back, which means that the goalkeeper is the first line of attack and builds passing networks primarily with the back 5 (4 defenders and CDM) instead of going long. Every player needs to be aware of his position with respect to others on the pitch, For example, when the full-backs are in advanced positions, the CDM (Fabinho) stays close to the back two, essentially making it a back three, in case of a counterattack. It allows the team to reduce the risk of losing possession with constant long balls and brings stability to the formation.
The other side of the coin is where Virgil van Dijk is absolutely indispensable to the team in the build-up. Building from the back also ensures that the opposition comes deeper into Liverpool’s territory to press allowing the front three (Salah, Mane, Firmino) to occasionally run in behind the defensive line. Van Dijk has been the reds’ long-ball specialist for situations like these. With 10 long-balls per game this season, he has provided some glorious assists to the front three and widens play under pressure by making diagonal balls to full-backs.
For more insights on Klopp’s tactical approach, read the next part of this story on Headkick.