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da bet7： Liverpool picked up another hard-fought draw against one of the “big six” on Saturday, but the lack of fluidity in midfield proved once again that Jurgen Klopp needs to switch to a 4-2-3-1.
The Chalkboard
Since Klopp arrived at Liverpool, the German has deployed a 4-3-3 formation in almost every game.
The heavy-metal system allows for rapid transitions from defence to attack, offers lots of width, and also gives the defence plenty of cover with three men across the middle of the park.
However, the Reds’ best performances this season have come when deploying Xherdan Shaqiri in the number ten role, and Klopp must now realise this and switch to a 4-2-3-1.
The Reds’ boss joked after the win over Red Star Belgrade that it was Fabinho’s favourite formation, and a permanent change to the slightly more defensive system could improve Liverpool at both ends of the pitch.
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A new-look midfield duo?
Aforementioned, Fabinho is best when deployed in a midfield two. The Brazilian international was superb in a similar system for Monaco alongside Chelsea flop Tiemoue Bakayoko, and his performances against Red Star and Cardiff were exceptional.
Naby Keita also hasn’t quite had the desired impact since joining from Red Bull Leipzig, and he too could benefit from a formation change. The Guinean international played as the more attacking part of a midfield duo in Leipzig, and he could fulfil this exact role alongside Fabinho.
Switching to a 4-2-3-1 could kick start both summer signings’ Liverpool careers, and the pairing’s unique mix of pace, power, intelligence and forward passing would breathe new life into the Reds’ midfield.
Good news for Daniel Sturridge?
Shaqiri has been superb since breaking into the team before the international break, and Klopp simply has to find a way to get him involved. The 27 year-old has the raw ability and speed of thought to unlock any defence, and deploying him as the number ten will create way more chances for the front three.
This could also open the door for Daniel Sturridge to challenge Roberto Firmino, who has struggled so far this season. Many fans would argue that the Brazilian is their most important player, but he has yet to hit the heights of last season.
Having Shaqiri in the hole behind the striker would eliminate the need for Firmino to drop into midfield so often, and could make a traditional goalscorer like Sturridge more effective.
So, Liverpool fans, do you think Klopp needs to switch things up? Does Shaqiri have to start? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…