Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0 Edging Closer to Premier League Glory
The brand of football that this new version of Reds is showcasing has clearly announced that Liverpool has now surely secured a top 3 position in the Premier League. They ain’t dropping down!
It is too early to say but there are some factors that I’ve judged based on some data analysis that this Liverpool team ain’t dropping from the top 3 this season. Various factors are indicating that Liverpool is gearing up for a serious title chase this season. Read this piece to know what Jurgen Klopp has developed and why I’m confident that this team won’t slip from top 3.
Liverpool have only lost one game in the league this season, a match that stirred controversy from various perspectives but that wasn't enough to stop Klopp’s force from topping the table at the PL half-time. They have been the best team on the attacking aspects and currently have the highest expected goals (xG) in the league at 46.5, having successfully netted 47 goals.
Their rate of 4.2 direct attacks per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season is Liverpool’s highest since 2018–19. If we take it just a season back, Liverpool was done but credit to Klopp who is really underrated at times, he built another team from a broken group of players and came out with a force that oppositions now struggle to handle. The core of this Liverpool team is different, they are evolved.
Let’s have a closer look at why Liverpool is the favored contender for a title race and potential league winners this season. Here is my in-depth analysis of Liverpool’s progression this year:
High-Octane football
We’re not just witnessing Liverpool 2.0; it’s also Gegenpressing 2.0 in action. The standout change in the Reds’ game this year is their constant pressing, it’s not just about winning the ball back, but when they lose possession, they surround the opponent with a triangular approach, forcing them to make mistakes or give it away.
The beginning of this season has seen the Reds reintroduce the high-pressing style, a crucial component that was missing and contributed to Liverpool finishing 5th in the league last season. High-pressing football suits Liverpool’s style of play but it’s no walk in the park; it demands high physical levels from all players, rotational play, and making optimal decisions once possession is regained.
The third-round draw in the League Cup against Arsenal was the perfect demonstration of Liverpool’s press in 23/24. The rotational game was almost inevitable, they literally made the Gunners look for orientation where to pass the ball.
Transitional Play
Over the last five and a half years, Liverpool has stood out as one of the Premier League’s top transitional teams, adept at controlling the games while preserving their threat in transition. Once they regain possession, they swiftly launch into an attack during the transition, aiming to catch opponents off guard before they can reshape defensively.
During Klopp’s tenure, Liverpool has excelled in transitional play, and this season, the Reds are honing this to perfection. If you’ve been following their matches, you’ve likely noticed an increase in transitional situations, with their attacks appearing more dynamic than ever.
Liverpool’s commitment to using transitions as an attacking tool in the 2023–24 season is highlighted by their numbers in direct attacks. These refer to possessions originating in the team’s own half and resulting in either a shot or a touch inside the opposition penalty area within 15-second timeframe.
Midfield Combinations
After the exit of some big names in Liverpool’s squad, Klopp and company strategically reinforced the heart of this team again by signing modern players, each with a unique style of play; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, and Hungarian sensation Dominik Szoboszlai. This rebuilding is one of the key factors of this functional team this season.
This stable base behind Liverpool’s attack is really a crucial element. Beyond the impact of the four new signings, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott have also been instrumental in favoring Klopp’s 4–3–3. Endo becoming Klopp’s specialist to shield the backline, while Szoboszlai and Mac Allister are influential in linking play from the midfield, advancing higher up the pitch. The assurance provided by these midfielders enables Klopp’s side to intensify their pressing game, surpassing even their most frenetic moments this season.
With Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold out, Klopp’s strategic approach was evident: win the ball in advanced positions and rely on the team’s structure as the primary creative force. Once fresh legs enter the field, Gomez joins his right back duties, allowing Trent to transition into a midfield role. Trent in midfield is a masterstroke, his passing range and set pieces pose increasing challenges for the opposition to contend with.
Liverpool fans are now witnessing the prime era of Trent Alexander-Arnold, and still plenty more to unfold from the scouser.
Game-Changing Substitutions
46' Georginio Wijnaldum on and Andrew Robertson off, Perfect sub nah? That’s just an example but let’s take a look closer to Klopp’s strategy behind these game-changing substitutions. This season Liverpool have had 31 goal involvements by substitutes in all competitions, 13 more than any other Premier League club. This includes contributing to 15 goals and providing 16 assists so far.
This tactical strategy is not just to introduce fresh legs in the second half but these players are getting subbed in by position to position which improves the active Gegenpress, leaving the opposition midfield fatigued. Klopp’s meticulous attention to these crucial elements this season is nothing short of a masterpiece. The dedication and focus he invests in every detail are propelling Liverpool to once again dream of achieving a quadruple.
Wrap
This transformation of Liverpool is remarkable, nearly a year ago Reds sat 9th in the league and now a year later they are top of the table, having qualified for Carabao Cup final and still actively competing in every available competition. This man Jurgen Klopp is a GENIUS, surly no manager would lead a team to bounce back at this pace.
Since his arrival in 2015, he has led Liverpool to 9 cup finals, that’s on average at least one per season. Liverpool put their faith in Deutsche and he never disappointed. The team he has built now is not the team that won the PL and conquered Europe, this is a different team this Liverpool is dangerous. Van Dijk is back to his best, consistency of Mo Salah and the team excels in various aspects.
Currently, Liverpool have 9 players injured 7 of them are starters and yet this team haven't lost a game since those injuries. It shows the mentality and hunger for better football, that’s my wrap for why Liverpool is mounting a title challenge this season and surly with this form they won’t be slipping from top 3.
