Since taking charge at Liverpool, coach Arne Slot has made many successful changes. The Kop have been in incredible form since the Dutch coach joined the club, losing only 1 match in the Premier League and remaining unbeaten in the Champions League.
The "Red Brigade" attack has been explosive with 45 goals so far and is leading the Premier League rankings with 6 points ahead of 2nd-placed Arsenal.
Jurgen Klopp has built a dynasty in his extremely successful nine years at Anfield. And Slot has not shelved the fact that he was lucky to inherit a talented squad.
However, the Dutch strategist still made some adjustments to affirm his authority. He has breathed new life into a team that seemed to be in decline after Klopp's departure.
In addition to changing the three-man formation, Slot has made a number of other tactical changes compared to Klopp's time. One player who has benefited from Slot's tactics is Ryan Gravenberch - the midfielder who has been in his best form this season.
Initially, Klopp signed Gravenberch and let him play as a "number 8". This required the Dutch midfielder to focus on the attack and not participate much in the defense. However, Slot has turned Gravenberch into a 'number 6' midfielder.
Under Slot, Gravenberch has become more involved in different phases of the game, from defence to attack. The midfielder has been key to Liverpool's success this season, despite only being used sparingly by Klopp last campaign.
Slot has been influenced by Klopp and Pep Guardiola, but has also watched Roberto de Zerbi's teams. In Liverpool's games this year, Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher often keep the ball and pass it to the defenders, allowing midfielders and forwards to find space in front.
While Klopp chose a faster way to get the ball back, Slot seemed to prefer playing a little slower, comfortable holding the ball before pushing it into the penalty area and creating an opportunity.
In pre-season, Van Dijk said: "You can see that we are more focused on building, more responsibility for the centre-backs when we have and when we don't have the ball."
While Klopp's influence is still felt throughout the team, Slot's small changes to tactics have been impressive and, above all, effective. Liverpool currently lead the Premier League in both clean sheets and goals scored.
