Liverpool have shown remarkable consistency despite facing a number of difficulties and changes in their squad. Having topped both the Premier League and the Champions League qualifying round, The Kop continued their progress to the semi-finals of the League Cup after a 2-1 win over Southampton.
Despite the absence of Arne Slot, the Reds have been able to operate smoothly. Liverpool’s changing style of play has left Southampton unable to keep up, especially when they switch between tactical systems in a matter of minutes. This is not only a testament to the strength of their tactics, but also a testament to the Merseyside team’s excellent adaptability.
One of the biggest highlights of the win was Wataru Endo's performance at centre-back, a role he rarely plays. Ryan Gravenberch was forced to play at centre-back when Liverpool drew with Fulham last weekend. But this time, Endo showed impressive ability in an unfamiliar role.
Despite not possessing the impressive height of traditional central defenders, the Japanese star still controlled the game well. He was the player who was fouled the most, won the most tackles and had the most duels on the field.
"In a position that is not his forte, Endo played an excellent match to prove what a quality player he is and also showed what kind of spirit he has" - Arne Slot shared.
Despite an unfortunate rebound that allowed Southampton to pull one back, it did not overshadow Wataru Endo's overall performance. The 31-year-old midfielder proved that versatility and fighting spirit are the key to Liverpool's success in this difficult period.
In the victory over Southampton, Liverpool continued to rely on young players to maintain their form. In the second half, Tyler Morton, Jayden Danns and James McConnell were brought on the field. It is worth noting that these young players not only played well but also helped The Kop maintain the game.
Slot's rotation of the squad to cope with a busy schedule and injuries has also shown tactical savvy. Positional changes such as bringing Tyler Morton to right-back or allowing Elliott and Mac Allister to switch roles flexibly, show Liverpool's continued improvement in their ability to adapt to adversity.
Ever since taking over at Liverpool, Arne Slot has aimed to build an unpredictable team. The Dutch tactician wants the “Reds” to become a team that opponents cannot predict, even if they have to change the positions of the players or adjust the tactical system during the match.
A good example is to play Endo flexibly. The Japanese star defends when he loses the ball and becomes a midfielder when Liverpool are in control. This adjustment not only helps the team maintain intensity but also maximizes the ability of each individual.
Despite Liverpool’s lead, the road ahead is still challenging. Defensive damage from Ibrahima Konate’s injury and a lack of replacement options means Arne Slot has had to constantly tweak his squad. However, from 20 wins in 24 games to their ability to stay in the big leagues, it’s clear that the Reds are capable of overcoming any obstacle.
