A tactical look inside Liverpool’s struggles against low blocks under Arne Slot

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In what has been a disastrous defence of their 20th league title, Liverpool’s once free-flowing and potent attack has drastically worsened into a static and predictable forward line that seems to be void of any creativity.The stats also make grim reading for Liverpool fans, given that this time last season, the Reds had scored 81 goals in the Premier League, an astounding 22 more than they have managed in this campaign.In a record-breaking campaign, Mohamed Salah was their top scorer in the league, finishing on 29 goals in May last year – Hugo Ekitike’s modest total of 11 goals this season was always going to pale in comparison.Being a top attacking side for the better part of a decade has resulted in Liverpool coming up against a plethora of low blocks, which they seemingly swept aside the majority of the time.So, what has changed?What is a low block?In a Premier League season that has seen corners and long throw-ins dominate the narrative, more focus has also been placed on off-the-ball organisation, such as low blocks.By definition, a low block is a tactic that involves a team defending very deep in their own half, thereby restricting the amount of attacking space for the opposition.Teams that deploy this tactic will often defend in a very narrow shape, allowing their opponents to dominate possession, while making it increasingly difficult for them to fashion attacking opportunities.In the same vein, a mid-block can also be used to cut off the opposition’s potential passing lanes in the middle of the pitch, though spaces can be targeted once possession is regained.Ineffective out on the wingOne of the go to methods for breaking down a low block is to utilise the width that is so often afforded by the opposition.However, despite a summer spending spree of over £450 million, you would struggle to find a natural winger among the ranks at Liverpool.Salah has always been thought of as a wide forward, as opposed to an out an out winger, Cody Gakpo’s build and predictability suggests an imperfect fit, and it feels like Florian Wirtz fits this Liverpool side like a square peg in a round hole.While Salah’s indifferent season signifies the end of an era, former Red Luis Diaz has begun his career at Bayern Munich in scintillating fashion.With 42 goal contributions in all competitions, the dynamic Colombian has shown Liverpool what they have been missing this season, though it is his off the ball work that often flies under the radar.Just give it to Rio?It’s clear that the Reds lack the correct personnel in that department, but it can also be argued that Slot’s insistence on keeping possession has harmed wing play as a whole.On the bright side, Rio Ngumoha offers the antithesis of Liverpool’s attacking philosophy this season.Newcastle United v Liverpool - Premier League | Liverpool FC/GettyImagesHis speed and directness are capable of troubling even the most experienced fullbacks, and that’s before you factor in his devastating ability in 1v1 situations.The 17-year-old is developing nicely at the club, and while many think he should be starting every week, a combination of Ngumoha and a couple of more experienced wingers could prove a potent combination for Liverpool next season.Imbalanced midfield poses more questionsThe arrival of Florian Wirtz threatened to break up Liverpool’s title-winning midfield, but the German has failed to live up to heavy expectations so far.Slot himself suggested that the acquisition of Wirtz would make it easier when playing against low blocks, but he has taken longer than expected to adapt to Premier League life and has often been played out of position.The No.7 prefers to operate out on the half-spaces on the left flank, much like he did at Bayer Leverkusen, but has often been shoehorned to play as a left winger, or as an out-and-out No. 10 centrally.Despite Wirtz’s struggles, Liverpool’s midfield trio certainly cannot consider themselves blameless, with Dominik Szoboszlai the only player who can truly hold his head up this season.Alexis Mac Allister has failed to offer the stability he once did, causing more harm than good, while Ryan Gravenberch’s future as a number six is certainly up in the air.Liverpool’s midfield lacks the control, but more importantly, the drive to win football matches under Slot this season, leaving their defence vulnerable, even when dispossessed by a side deploying a low block.Reds still reeling from Alexander-Arnold departureThe current turmoil at Real Madrid could easily distract you from the free transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold that has seemingly gone wrong for all three parties.His former employers seem lost without their chief creator, injuries and manager upheaval hasn’t made life any easier in Madrid, and to top it off, Alexander-Arnold failed to make England’s 27-man squad in March.Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 | Visionhaus/GettyImagesUltimately, whether it was a cross-field diagonal pass or a ball over the top to send Salah through on goal, Alexander-Arnold was the key to unlocking all defenses, low-block or not.Liverpool’s left flank is not aided by Milos Kerkez constantly clashing with the likes of Cody Gakpo as to who should overlap or hold the width.Slot scrambles for a solutionAs a result, Virgil van Dijk has assumed the role of dispatching the long ball when required, a large responsibility for the 34-year-old skipper facing his own battle against Father Time, in a possession based side.Wirtz may well be the future of unlocking the low block, especially with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in front of him, but their cheat code is long gone and will not be returning this campaign.It must also be noted that Liverpool have experienced more than a few injuries this season, and the major squad overhaul affected team chemistry more than was perhaps envisioned.But from next season, Slot will know that the bar for success will be higher than ever before, and only time will tell whether he is the man to take this Liverpool team forward.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow