Jurgen Klopp tried two new formations in the second half against Wolves on Thursday. It’s a rarity from the Liverpool boss.
Liverpool play 4-3-3. Sometimes – but very rarely – you’ll see a 4-2-3-1 with Mohamed Salah as a striker. But in virtually every single game, it’s 4-3-3. Even if Liverpool play it slightly different from game to game, that’s the system.
So it stood out on Thursday that Klopp tried two new formations against Wolves. Both came in the second half and were heavily influenced by Sadio Mane’s absence.
Takumi Minamino made his Premier League debut as a substitute. While he initially lined up on the left-wing for the end of the first-half, he immediately began swapping with Roberto Firmino.
But it was the second half when things got really interesting.
Klopp tries to worry Wolves with formations
Liverpool lined up with a diamond midfield after the break. Jordan Henderson remained as the holding midfielder, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain playing the no. 10 role.
Gini Wijnaldum then played left-centre, while Minamino showcased his versatility by playing right-centre. It was an interesting idea that really showed what Minamino can bring tactically.
But it didn’t last long. Wolves scored just six minutes in and Liverpool switched again.
This time, it was more 4-4-2. Oxlade-Chamberlain went left, Wijnaldum went alongside Henderson and Minamino went right – a third position on his debut.
Again though, Liverpool didn’t look comfortable. They didn’t look comfortable until Fabinho came on and Liverpool reverted back to 4-3-3, in fact.
It’ll be interesting to see what this means going forward. Will Liverpool look to be more tactically flexible or was this just how things were against a good Wolves side? Mane went off, after all, ruining the initial plan.
One thing’s for sure, however. Minamino already gives Klopp more options and with practice and patience, you’d back the boss to find something new that works.
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