From top to bottom
Liverpool this season is a completely opposite image to last season. The rapid change does not only come from personnel, it also comes from the structure and tactical operation. From a synchronous, rhythmic and connected apparatus, they have now become a disjointed, unorganized and fragile collective.
In the defeat to Brentford, The Kop were defeated in every aspect, from running, fighting, and being overwhelmed both physically and mentally. In the starting lineup, there are only 4 players still playing in the same position that they had in the win over Tottenham to help them win the championship in April. Partly due to injuries, but mostly as a result of somewhat extreme changes since the Community Shield.
From reconstruction to destruction
No one denies that Liverpool last season, despite winning the championship, still had many shortcomings. However, the way they renovate their squad in the summer of 2025 is making many people question. Instead of adding a few delicate pieces, the team replaced nearly half of the main squad, making everything out of sync.
Liverpool have bought 7 new players for the first team, a move that shows financial strength but also carries risks of integration. Now, that risk is becoming a reality. The new collective does not understand each other, and the tactical pieces that were once practiced and operated smoothly have now been erased.
Even more worrying is that Arne Slot does not seem to realize it. He said after the loss to Brentford that Liverpool need to return to the basics, but that basic thing is the formula for a successful 2024-2025 season.
When philosophy is curved
Liverpool's reaction to the opponent's long-range, second-ball and set-piece situations was really alarming. They know how Brentford, Crystal Palace or Man United will play but do not have an effective way to deal with it.
Florian Wirtz is a typical example. The German rookie used to play well when moving freely on the wing such as the match against Frankfurt but was pushed into the role of a three-man central midfielder. That is a position he does not have enough physical strength and experience to take on in the Premier League.
The decline of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate was completely exposed in counter-attacks, especially in the second goal against Brentford. The defense was penetrated as easily as ever.
In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai often had to close the gap for Conor Bradley - who was not only playing poorly but also faced the risk of being fired for being hot. Meanwhile, left-back Milos Kerkez is not much better as he shows confusion, hesitation and lack of confidence. The absence of goalkeeper Alisson Becker also left problems as the Brazilian star's recent 3 goals came from mistakes due to a lack of defensive command.
The upper line lost its rhythm, the lower line lost its balance
Up front, Hugo Ekitike is a rare bright spot but Alexander Isak - who exploded at Newcastle with crosses from the wing - is now abandoned in the new system.
Liverpool are currently avoiding breeze football, avoiding risks and also avoiding... creating breakthroughs. Instead of sending the ball into the penalty area to take advantage of the striker's physique, they pass it back and forth safely. As a result, Alexander Isak was like Darwin Nunez, a high-profile signing but forced to play against his own instincts.
Mohamed Salah is still a hot topic. The Egyptian star returned to the starting lineup after being out in the middle of the week. Although he scored against Brentford, it was too late to help Liverpool get a point. Before that, if he had taken advantage of the opportunity better against Brentford and other opponents, Liverpool might not have fallen that far.
Arne Slot and the Fatewreck
Slot could hope that the defeat to Brentford will be the bottom of the abyss, where Liverpool started to break away. However, with an increasingly long injury list and a tight schedule, the prospect of a comeback still seems far away for The Kop.
The current reality is very clear when Liverpool are no longer championship candidates. They are not at the same level as Arsenal or Man City at the moment.
Arne Slot created a very even team last season. Liverpool plays seductive, strong and effective football. However, he himself, in an effort to perfect the team, accidentally ruined everything. Now is the time for the Dutch captain to take a few steps back to look at the whole, know what helped and made his students successful in the previous season.
Liverpool are in crisis but there is still a lot of time. As long as Arne Slot dares to be humble to relearn himself, the "Red Brigade" can soon return before Christmas.
