Liverpool could change how they use Thiago to hit Wolves where it hurts

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Liverpool face Wolves later today and we could see the Reds shake up how they use Thiago. The Reds go into this one after four straight wins.

Five wins in a row would be a pretty spectacular way for Liverpool to answer their only defeat of the season. That’s what they’re playing for today, though, having won every fixture since West Ham United beat them 3-2.

It won’t be easy, of course. Wolves are playing very well and sit eighth in the Premier League right now. In fact, they’re only three points from fourth and have clean sheets in their last three fixtures.

But we do think Liverpool have a natural advantage here. Wolves tend to defend with the ball, controlling possession and making it harder for teams to go at them consistently. The Reds, however, will expect to dominate the ball themselves – and that will hurt Wolves.

But it goes a little deeper than that. Though using Thiago a little differently, Liverpool can really pull Wolves out of their comfort zone.

Wolves vs Liverpool

Per FBref, Wolves are not a high-pressing side. That’s actually quite an understatement – they’re the least high-pressing side in the Premier League.

No side has applied pressure less often in the attacking third than Wolves (level with Newcastle United). They’ve done it 358 across their 14 games. Liverpool, in complete contrast, lead the league with 571 presses in the attacking third.

Wolves, then, much prefer to sit deep and do their defensive work in less aggressive areas. We think Liverpool can use that against them.

It would mean moving Thiago a little deeper than he has been in recent weeks. Liverpool typically hand the Spaniard a licence to get forward and receive the ball a littler higher up the pitch. He’s getting far closer to the opposition box than his own.

But we think Liverpool could switch that up at Molineux. With Wolves reluctant to press high, Liverpool letting Thiago run the show from deep could seriously hurt them.

He is, after all, one of the best progressive and creative passers on the planet. Teams need to press him hard or Thiago will open them up time and time again. And with Wolves relying on a deep press, pulling Thiago away from it could force them out of their comfort zone.

Wolves would effectively need to pick their poison: abandon their strategy or allow this world-class midfielder to do what he wants. With one subtle change, Liverpool can make this one a nightmare for their opponents.