Liverpool have stumbled on the answer to their problems and we could see it vs Ajax – RTK View

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Liverpool stumbled across the answer to their problems this summer in signing Arthur Melo. We could see things in action against Ajax.

Liverpool have a massive game with Ajax this week. The Reds need to get themselves back on track fast after a fairly awful start to the season. They also can’t afford to slip further behind in their Champions League group – defeat to Ajax could be near-fatal.

Thus Liverpool must find a fix. They can’t afford to go out with the same plan that keeps struggling but fortunately, we believe they’ve stumbled onto the answer.

The Reds haven’t just played poorly this season but they keep repeating the same mistakes. They’re struggling to control the game with their backline, failing to push teams back with possession. Too often this season, defenders have given the ball away to the first line of press, immediately exposing themselves.

We saw it happen against Manchester United for their second goal. It then happened against as Liverpool conceded to Newcastle United. And it happened roughly 50 times against Napoli as the Reds tried to slow things down at the back.

In fact, that game is a perfect example of the struggles. Liverpool couldn’t play through Napoli and appeared to want Joe Gomez to play back to Alisson instead of trying risky passes through the middle. Once the Italians caught on, however, that tactic became a complete liability.

And so it’s time for a new fix. One we could see this week.

The answer to Liverpool’s problems

Liverpool didn’t play particularly well against Fulham to kick-off the Premier League campaign but things have been worse since. It’s worth noting that their Community Shield win over Manchester City was a magnificent performance.

Thiago played in that game and for 60 minutes against Fulham. Injury has kept him out of the starting XI since but he should be okay to start against Fulham. And what an important return he’ll be.

Thiago is arguably the best in the world at playing through a pres and moving the team forward. He averaged 10.3 ‘progressive passes’ last season – a pass that moves the team forward at least 10 yards. As we pointed out at the end of last season, this was the best rate in all of Europe.

The difference when Thiago isn’t in the XI is stark. No one but Trent Alexander-Arnold averages more than six such passes this season. Next is Harvey Elliott, too – a player who doesn’t sit as deep as the Spaniard. Having Thiago back, then, will help stop Liverpool from exposing themselves to a press.

But even better, Liverpool now have two of these players. Reports suggest that the Reds see Arthur Melo as a similar player and stats back that up.

Thus Liverpool aren’t as reliant on Thiago. More than that, Jurgen Klopp can play both players in his midfield and we’re predicting he does just that against Ajax. The Reds should move the ball faster and with more confidence through midfield – and we expect they look more solid as a result.

This wasn’t a plan back in pre-season, of course. Liverpool stumbled upon it as Arthur was a last-minute signing because of an injury crisis. We do think using both playmakers is the way to get out of this poor form, though, and the answer to the Reds’ problems.