Liverpool FC: Technical Opposition Scouting Report (2014/15)

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I originally wrote this for Kop Left and I would appreciate it if you could also read are show appreciation for the article there.

Introduction

In this report I have looked at the matches of Liverpool Football Club in the Barclays Premier League. I have broken down the team looking at the way they play in each phase during the matches. There are many interpretations of phases of play, however I will give pre-set definitions of the terms for when I use them to analyse the club.

Following this, I shall then look at Liverpool from the opposition’s point of view looking at their organisation and structure when attacking and defending. Finally I will look at set piece tactics and comment on any other observations I have noticed and feel are note worthy.

Term Definitions

Phase 1:

Bringing the ball out of Defence — The phase begins from the GK. The Goalkeeper either sends the ball long from his goal kick to the midfield area, or he will pass it to his nearest teammate.

Phase 2:

Bringing the ball forward as a team — If the team takes the goal kick straight to the midfield area, they bypass this phase and move on to the next phase. For those who pass from the GK, this phase sees the team move the ball from CB’s to FBs and CM/DM to remain as a unit while bringing the ball forward to the halfway line.

Phase 3:

Play in Midfield — This looks firstly at the preference placed in midfield. Does the team look to the midfield channels for passes, or does the play get shifted wide to the fullbacks /wide players. Then it will look at what happens to the play after it is shifted out wide. Do the players rotate back across and switch play through midfield, or do they utilise the space in the wide area to attack opposition.

Phase 4:

Play in Attack — Do the attackers play with a lot of space in front of them. Have the team brought the ball in waves and have a high Defensive Midfield platform. This phase will look at the ways in which attackers use the space just in front and behind the defenders. Do they make runs behind, or do they drop deep to collect from midfield. Are the attackers primarily dealing with long balls from midfield and defence, or do they also have to deal with crosses from fullbacks and wide players.

Transition 1:

Transition from Attack to Defence — This phase looks at the efficiency, organisation and structure of the team when possession is turned over. Do they get back in shape, have they moved forward as a unit and can transition as a unit? Where are the standout weaknesses and what are the biggest strengths.

Transition 2:

Transition from Defence to Attack — This phase will look at the speed, directness and ability to move from defence to attack. Where is the team most efficient when winning back the possession of the ball? Who are the most dangerous players when transitioning from defence to attack? What are the strongest areas on the field in which they find the most comfort/space in transitions?

Liverpool in Attack

|4–3–3 (2–1)| |4–3–3 (1–2)| Phase 1:

Liverpool look to play the ball from the Goal Keeper to the Center Backs or the Defensive Midfielder(s). The Center Backs will split onto the corners of the box and the GK will look to feed the ball to them. When the Center Backs are closely marked, the Defensive Midfielder(s) will come to collect the ball to get the play started.

On the rare occasion (generally while ahead after 75 min), Liverpool will play a direct ball from the GK towards the center circle. Here the Center Forward looks to attack the ball by either playing on a runner, or taking control of the ball and starting play from Phase 3/4.

Phase 2:

Liverpool likes to carry the ball forward as a team. Once the Center Backs are given the ball they will bring the ball forward and look to use the Defensive/Central Midfielders and/or the Full Backs. They will look to bring the ball forward and maintain a good space between midfield and defence to allow for a good Transition 1. The full backs will generally be wide around the halfway mark while the Center Backs and Central Midfielders will form a box bringing the ball out of defence.

Once the ball reaches the halfway line the Attacking Midfielder and Wide Attackers are encouraged to drop deep to collect the ball in order to continue play from Phase 3.

When the ball is closer towards the halfway line, the 3 attackers and 2 central midfielders will look to drop and create pockets of space for players to run into. During this time the ball is either passed to one of the players to begin phase 3.

When the midfield channels are blocked and the Attackers are not able to get on the ball, the Central Midfielder or Center Backs will look to play a long ball either straight towards the Center Forward, or diagonal towards the Wide Attackers/Full backs that are running forward. This bypasses phase 3 and begins phase 4.

Phase 3:

When the Central/Defensive midfield platform is on the halfway line, Liverpool look to bring the Attackers into play. These players will drop deep to collect the ball and then look to carry it forward. When the wide attackers receive the ball, the marker is drawn towards the inside that allows the Full Back to run into the empty spaces.

A feature of Liverpool’s attack when lined up 4–3–3(2–1) is the rotation between the Attacking Midfielder and Wide Attackers. The roles assigned to the players are as creative ball carriers that look to threaten the opposition box. Once on the ball, it allows for 1 Central Midfielder to act as a runner into the box when play is in Phase 4, while the other Central Midfielder maintains the platform.

When Liverpool is lined up 4–3–3 (1–2) they will look to move the ball forwards in waves. They will use the two central midfielders, wide attackers and fullbacks to move to ball from one side to the other in order to allow for space and runs behind the opposition defence.

Liverpool encourages both Fullbacks to attack/get forward during this phase. When the ball shifts from one side to the other Liverpool keep 1 Full Back deeper in line with the Midfield platform while the Fullback on the side of the ball looks to go forwards into the next phase. They generally like to keep the balance of the 2 Center Backs slightly split keeping a Medium block while 1 Central Midfielder and Fullback maintain the Midfield platform. This allows them for better defensive support during transition 1.

When Phase 1 is begun by a long Goal Kick by the Keeper, the Center Forward and Wide Attackers are brought into play during this phase. The Center Forward is dragged towards the midfield line and the wide attackers along with 1 Central midfielder look to run behind the opposition defence. When the ball is brought down and possession kept. Liverpool will look to begin Phase 3 as described earlier.

Phase 4:

When the phase is begun following a long diagonal ball from midfield or defence. The wide attackers or fullbacks will run onto the space and collect the ball. Here Fullbacks are encouraged to overlap the attacker or run onto the pass and cross it into the box (cross variation low drilled cross and lob cross).

Where the Fullbacks are overlapping attackers can then use the space inside and outside to work a move. Here we see the Defensive and Midfield platforms moved higher. The Center Backs will play in a High Block and 1 Fullback and 1 Central midfielder keep the Midfield platform further up the pitch. This allows for 1 Central Midfield runner to burst into or on the edge of the box to create an option for the attack.

When the ball is brought in waves by the midfield and defence and the attacking/wide midfielders get the ball in central areas they look to run at the opposition midfield and defence looking for runners behind the defensive channels/line. This creates space for the wide players to run forward and force the opposition to defend in low blocks.

Liverpool in Defence

|4–3–3 (2–1)| |4–3–3 (1–2)| Opposition Phase 1:

When the opposition look to pass it out from the Goal Keeper, Liverpool will have the Center Forward immediately put pressure on the side of the Goalkeeper. During this phase the Defence maintain a High — Medium block dependent on where the Midfield platform is.

Opposition Phase 2:

When the opposition looks to bring the ball forward as a team from defence, Liverpool will press in defensive triangles. Dependent on which area of the pitch the opposition has the ball Liverpool will look to have the Center Forward, Attacking Midfielder (Center Midfielder) and Wide Attacker close the channels, to encourage the player to pass backwards or send the ball long forwards.

Here the Midfield platform is around the halfway line with two Midfielders and one Fullback dependent on which side the opposition has the ball. The Defence will keep a Medium block retreating as the opposition carry the ball closer to the halfway line.

Opposition Phase 3:

When the opposition has successfully brought the ball towards the halfway line and have formed a midfield platform. Liverpool will press in boxes. The Center Forward and Attacking Midfielder will form the front line, while the Central Midfielder (or Fullback) and Wide Attacker form the back line.

When the opposition have set their midfield platform Liverpool will press the player on the ball in defensive triangles using the Center Forward, Central Midfielder and Wide Attacker to close down the space.

The wider and further forward the ball is for the opposition, Liverool will bring the Fullback or Central Midfielder into play. Once the opposition has bypassed the center circle, the Fullback/other Central Midfielder will come into play and the Center Forward will pull out wide preparing for a counter attack should the team win possession back.

Liverpool will try and maintain a medium midfield line and low defensive block once the opposition have 5 or more players in the LFC half of the pitch. During this phase the defenders will look to mark the opposition Center Forward to minimise the space given to him on the ball. If the Center Forward comes deep to collect the ball, one Center Back tends to mark the player in order to reduce the space given to the CF. Dependent on how high the Center Forward goes to receive the ball the Center Back will closely mark him.

When the Center Back is dragged out one Central Midfielder will look to close the channel of space created.

If the ball is with the opposition in Central positions Liverpool will pressure the opposition in a box formation with the Center Forward, Attacking Midfielder (Wide Attacker) and 2 Central Midfielder closing the spaces.

When Phase 3 is the result of a long Goal Kick by the Goalkeeper, the Center Backs will look to closely mark the Center Forward and challenge for the Aerial Ball in order to win back possession further up the pitch for a better Transition 2.

Opposition Phase 4:

During this phase Liverpool will defend in two blocks of 4. The two wide attackers will form a midfield block of 4 along with the two central midfield players. The Defence will form a low narrow block with the fullback on the side opposite the ball tucking in to provide more men in the box for an opposition cross. The two blocks of 4 can also be looked at as a defensive line of 4 and midfield line of 5. Here the Attacking Midfielder (Defensive Midfielder) joins the 2 Central Midfielders to help create a better structure in defence.

When the ball is in wide areas Liverpool will have the Fullback and Wide Attacker form defensive triangles with 1 Central Midfielder while pressuring the opposition and make the space smaller for attackers to work with.

When the ball is in central areas during this phase Liverpool will defend with the Attacking Midfielder (Defensive Midfielder) and 2 Central Midfielders forming a defensive triangle to cut the space for a through ball. When the Center Forward comes deeper to collect the ball, the Center Back will also be dragged out creating space behind the Center Back until 1 Central Midfielder shuffles back and recreates the defensive line.

If this phase is reached as a result of a long ball from the Defence or Midfield, Liverpool’s Center Backs will look to attack the ball in order to help Transition 2. When Liverpool is faced with a diagonal ball, the Fullbacks either look to do the same, or they would look to intercept/close down the ball/space in the wide areas.

Liverpool in Transition

Transition 1(Phase 1):

When Liverpool loses the ball during Phase 1, they would be the most vulnerable in defence. Due to the encouragement given to playing the ball out of the box, when dispossessed during this phase the opposition have a high chance of scoring or maintaining possession in the Liverpool half of the pitch.

Transition 1(Phase 2):

During this phase Liverpool have more organisation and preparation during when losing possession. Liverpool will have an initial line with the 2 Center Backs and then a line of 3 or 4 dependent on where the ball is and how far forward 1 of the Full Backs is.

If the Central Midfield player in midfield loses the ball, LFC will have both Center Backs, Central Midfielders and 1 Full Back recovering/ready for opposition counters. If the Central Defender loses the ball (bad pass), the result will be the same. When the Central Defender is dispossessed, it exposes the Liverpool defence with the attacker 1 vs. 1 against the Goal Keeper.

Transition 1(Phase 3):

When Liverpool have the ball in midfield and the opposition recover/turnover possession. Liverpool is more vulnerable when transitioning to defence. Dependent on midfield runners and full backs support Liverpool can have from 2–5 players ready for transitioning or in a position to make a recovery challenge/block/interception.

Transition 1(Phase 4):

Here Liverpool generally maintains a High-Medium Block with the Midfield platform past the Center Circle in the opposition half. When the ball is lost by either one of the Central Midfielders, Liverpool can recover with a maximum of 4 players. The two Center Backs and two from Fullback/Central Midfield, this will leave them more Vulnerable.

If Liverpool loses the ball here by their Attackers, they are in a less vulnerable position during Transition 1. Here the players will immediately press in defensive formation and force the ball to be played long by the opposition in order to maintain possession and control of the game. This also gives the Fullbacks and Midfielders time to recover form their platform (Opposition Phase 2).

Transition 2(Opposition Phase 1):

Liverpool generally has 1 player during this phase attacking the ball. If the ball is won, Liverpool can threaten with high pressure.

Transition 2(Opposition Phase 2):

During this transition Liverpool will have the 3 players who closed down the space on the ball moving forward with intent. Here, 1 Central Midfield Runner and the remaining wide attacker will look to provide width and more bodies in the box. If the ball is rotated in midfield in order to control the game Liverpool will begin their attack in phase 3.

Transition 2(Opposition Phase 3):

Liverpool will look to press in boxes. They are most efficient during this transition due to the number of players then can send forward once the possession is won back. When the opposition has the ball in wide areas, Liverpool will have between 4 and 8 players moving to join the attack if possession is won back. If the opposition have the ball in the central areas Liverpool will generally break with between 4 and 7 players moving to attack.

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If this phase is a result of a long kick by the Goal Keeper the Center Backs will look to pressure the ball in order to win back possession and begin play from Phase 4. Here Liverpool will be able to attack with 4 to 8 players however, the opposition team will have a better defensive structure therefore the efficiency rate of the transition is not as high.

Transition 2(Opposition Phase 4):

During this phase Liverpool defend in two low blocks of 4 with the midfield and defence forming parallel lines closing space in between channels. When the ball is in wide areas, Liverpool will transition with 3 players with a further 3 runners joining the attack if the break is on. When won in central positions, the team will attack with 4 players with 2 runners joining them if the break is on.

Attacking Organisation

• The team will normally set up with 4 Defenders, 3 Midfielders and 3 Attackers. The variation can be with (1–2) midfield and (2–1) midfield as well as a diamond formation with 2 strikers and no wide attackers. Liverpool has gone to a 3 Center Back formation as well, this shall be commented on in observations.
• Team looks to build play in phases with waves of passing between defence and midfield. In Phase 2 Liverpool are vulnerable when under pressure. A team that pressures and close the midfield lines cause Lovren, Sakho and Gerrard to look for long balls and runs on the wing and behind the defensive line. (Image 1)
• In Phase 3 they will look to continue playing the ball forward in waves. Here the attackers are encouraged to drop deep and make runs behind and between the channels. This creates space and allows for 1 central midfielder (Henderson/Allen/Can) to then run forward supporting in Attack. Sterling, Sturridge and Balotelli runs behind defence allow Liverpool to attack with pace and intensity. When the channels are closed and Liverpool do not find space in the middle, they will use long balls and diagonals to encourage the fullbacks and wide attackers to run down the wings and look to involve the team. Can is Liverpool’s only ball carrier in midfield. When pressured Henderson/Allen look to recycle possession instead of taking on players. Allen has taken on players, but loses 50–50 battles due to strength. Coutinho, when played in midfield can add another dimension to Liverpool’s attack that allows them to play with intensity and creativity. (Image B)
• In Phase 4 there is a lot of action from either fullback. Fullbacks are encouraged to attack and provide width. Moreno and Glen Johnson like going forward and supporting attack. Cross Variation is seen with both floated and ground crosses. Moreno and Glen Johnson look to overlap and also take shots when given space. Here Liverpool is most vulnerable in transition 1. Fullbacks expose a lot of space on the wide areas and can be caught out on the break. When the play is centrally focused attackers will run behind channels or are encouraged to carry the ball forward with intention to shoot or give key pass. Coutinho and Sterling are most threatening when given the space in the final third. They will look to take on defenders and make passes for runners behind the defence. Balotelli and Sturridge like to play in space outside the box and will always look to take shots when there is a lot of space. They can hit strong shots with little back lift. (Image 2)
• In Transition 2 Liverpool are most effective when opposition are in Phase 3 or 4. Henderson/Can/Allen look to create pressure and push opponent in tight spaces. This allows Liverpool to break with 3 attackers and 2 midfielders with support from 1 full back. Sterling, Sturridge and Balotelli look to move forward with pace and can cause problems for defenders behind the line.

Defensive Organisation

• The team will look to maintain a Medium-High defensive block. The Medium block is seen due to the tendency for Liverpool to commit many players to attack.
• The team will look to defend with 2 lines of 4 with the second line closing the channels created by the first line. They will pressure in boxes and triangles in order to close midfield space, with 1 player looking to press the player on the ball and the other 3 forming a triangle to close the channels. (Image 4)
• In Phase 2 if the Liverpool midfield platform is bypassed, the defensive line will look to retreat and form a medium-low block until midfield support to help close the spaces. Here Liverpool defenders will look to attack Long Aerial Balls in order to help transition to attack. This leaves a lot of space behind the defender. The defensive line is broken and creates space for an attacking run if the ball is won. (Image 3)
• In Phase 3 Liverpool like to pressure with more intensity because there will be a higher chance for a positive break for their fast attackers. Here there is a tendency for Liverpool to be vulnerable with the space created behind the defensive line. When the ball is in the wide areas, the full backs will be drawn to the wide player that creates space behind for runs. When the play is focused centrally, Liverpool Center Backs look to aggressively mark the Center Forward. This will create space when the Forward drags the Center Backs out of position. (Image 3)
• In Phase 4 Liverpool will defend in 2 low blocks with channels being closed by each line. Here they are most vulnerable to aerial balls across the defensive line. The best approach would be to move the play from one side to the other with pace and intensity. It will create most imbalances in structure. Lateral Crosses and Diagonal Long balls across and behind the defensive line also break the structure of defence. Mignolet does not deal well with aerial balls and will look to stay closer to his line. (Image 4)
• In Transition 1 Liverpool are most vulnerable when they are in Phase 3 and 4. The space seen between the midfield platform and medium block allows for attackers to run behind and break with intensity. Liverpool will struggle to bring more men back and will have between 3 and 6 players maximum able to recover. Moreno and Manquillo have good recovery during transition. In Phase 2 Center Backs under pressure have shown to give away the ball allowing for a swift counter. Here Liverpool can have more players back but higher danger with ball closer to their own goal.

Set Pieces

• Attacking Set Pieces Liverpool will have a minimum of 5 players in the box (6 players have been seen to also attack Corners and Lateral Free Kicks). They will have 2 (1) player on the edge of the box with 2 players covering for a counter attack. (Images 6, 8 & 9)
• Right-footed players take all corners and Free kicks. Lallana, Coutinho and Gerrard will take Corners and Lateral Free kicks. Variation between out swinging and in swinging. Direct Free kicks are taken by Balotelli and Gerrard. Gerrard will look to place the ball and Balotelli will use a curl or dip variation in technique.
• Defending Set Pieces Liverpool has variation. They will look to put 2 players ready for counter attack with 1–2 players on the edge of the box/floating in the box also ready to break. However, there are a lot of times where Liverpool will leave 0 forward. 2 floaters edge of the box with 8 players defending the set piece. (Image 7)
• Lateral Free Kicks Liverpool will put 1–2 in the wall (don’t jump) depending on distance and 2 on the edge of the box/ in space looking to break on counter.
• Direct Free Kicks Liverpool will have 5–6 in the wall (jump/charge) depending on distance. (Image 5)

Other observations

Liverpool has gone to a system with 3 Center Backs in 2 games this season. The game I will focus on is the game vs. Newcastle. In this system Glen Johnson was utilised as a RCB. Liverpool looked to bring the ball forward from defence in a box. Joe Allen and Steven Gerrard formed the top of the box with 2 Center Back’s forming the bottom of the box. Once the ball reached the Center Circle, Liverpool would form a box in midfield to bring the ball forward with Henderson and Coutinho forming the top with Allen and Gerrard at the bottom. This allowed the wide players (Moreno and Sterling) to use the space created.

During Phase 4 their Defence would form a high block with the 3 Center Backs. Their midfield platform is formed by 1 of the Central Midfielders while the other Central midfielder acts as a runner. They will look to maintain a 3–1–4–2 shape with 3/4 runners in the box, use of width and one player edge of the box.

During transitions, Liverpool would be able to counter most attacks with a good balance from right to left with a minimum of 4 players able to defend in transition. Individual errors were the cause for most Liverpool defensive errors when the system was employed.

Defensively Liverpool would maintain a similar defensive structure as the 4–3–3 (2–1) system. The 2 lines of 4 would be able to close channels and effectively close down space the opposition could play in. Again, their biggest problems aside from individual errors were long aerial balls across the defensive lines. Liverpool was also vulnerable in the space between the midfield platform and the defensive line when opposition was in Phase 1 and 2.

Player Breakdown

Simon Mignolet

Mignolet is asked to play the ball out to his defenders or midfielders. Although he doesn’t have the best composure under pressure when passing, there are no immediate flaws. He is a good shot stopper and can be good in 1 v 1 situations. He is weakest when defending aerial balls (cross, free kick and corner)

Glen Johnson

Johnson likes to get forward in attack. He is prone to bad positioning due to being further up on the field. He looks to cut inside at times and take a shot with his left foot. He will also provide overlaps and send crosses. Defensively he can get dragged out of position a lot so the space behind him is good to use

Javier Manquillo

Manquillo is not as keen to get forward as Johnson, however he is seen sometimes in the penalty area when in attack. He is good at protecting the ball but not accurate crosses. Defensively he is very solid, keeps good positions and always tries to close down attacker space.

Martin Skrtel

Prone to errors. Likes to commit to tackles and is often seen leaving the ground. Likes to take on 50/50 aerial balls in hope to help team move forward. This will leave space behind the defence when he is out of position.

Dejan Lovren

Prone to errors. Likes to commit to tackles and is often seen leaving the ground. Likes to take on 50/50 aerial balls in hope to help team move forward. Prone to lack of concentration which results in bad positioning and over compensation.

Mamadou Sakho

Strong in challenge and aerial duels. Sometimes gets dragged out of position and will create space behind. Good passer will always look to play the ball forward. Prone to errors in concentration. Has shown tendency to go to ground when tackling, but not regular occurrence.

Alberto Moreno

Attack minded full back. But will defend and close down spaces. Pace is a very key factor to his game. Can get up and down the pitch very fast and is a good player in transitions for Liverpool.

Jose Enrique

Biggest weakness is positioning. Will lose concentration in some games and it will allow attackers space behind him. He is good at keeping the ball away from attackers through shielding.

Steven Gerrard

Used primarily as a controller midfielder he will look to keep the play moving forward in waves and look to play long balls and diagonals to runners. Positioning and pace a concern, can be bypassed easily by a pass behind midfield platform. He has shown to make late breaks into box and also play as advanced midfielder behind striker. Can contribute to attacking play when further forward. Good 1–2 passing movement.

Jordan Henderson

Energetic and athletic midfielder. Will do both defensive work and contribute to attack. He has shown to make good last minute runs and runs behind the defence. Doesn’t look to carry the ball and bring the ball forward but will look to bring ball as a team.

Joe Allen

Good defensive player will make tackles and interceptions when in defensive duties. Closes down space. Likes to recycle and bring forward as a team. Lightweight in attack and easily be pushed off ball. Doesn’t contribute to goals. Can be threatening in the left channel behind defence.

Emre Can

Physical player, strong in the tackle and good positioning when in defence. Liverpool primary CM ball carrier. He is only player to show determination when taking the ball from midfield. Not afraid to shoot. Fitness doesn’t look 100% every game.

Lucas Leiva

Only played in 2 league matches. He looks to bring the ball as a team. Has shown to overcompensate in tackles. Good passer, but does not carry ball from midfield.

Philippe Coutinho

Great in attacking transitions. Has played in midfield and in attack. Will look at bring the ball forward with intensity. Good passer can see runs behind defence and make passes. Over compensate sometimes and will lose the ball in dribble.

Adam Lallana

Will look to carry the ball forward. Likes to run down the left channel and play 1–2 with players. Can be physically pushed off the ball. Aggressive tackles when on defence.

Lazar Markovic

Fast player. Likes to run with the ball with space in front of him. Not perfect close control can be physically pushed off in the challenge.

Raheem Sterling

Fast player great in all phases for Liverpool. Strong for his size, not easily outmuscled. Will run behind defenders and at them with intensity. Has played in attack, midfield and defence. Sometimes will overcompensate and get tackled in the dribble.

Mario Balotelli

Likes to play in space and likes to take shots. Will look to run behind defenders and also drop deep to collect ball and bring attack forward. Can be strong in the air. Sometimes he doesn’t look for the pass and will look to shoot. Closing passing channels and space will limit his impact.

Daniel Sturridge

Fast Attacking player. Good in attacking transition. Likes ball with space and likes to shoot for goal. He will take on defenders and run behind the defenders.

Rickie Lambert

Likes to play with teammates. Runs behind defence. Will not dribble at defenders, pace is a concern.

Fabio Borini

Attacking player across front three. Likes to move and create space for attackers. Looks to play with teammates. Likes to shoot. Has not contributed a lot to goals.