Klopp’s striker problem
Spending a record sum of $107 million on Darwin Nunez in the summer, Klopp ignored Liverpool’s obvious lack of depth in midfield and defense, placing faith that the Uruguay striker would immediately shine.
However, the 23-year-old striker is gradually improving his performance, especially in the Champions League.
This was clearly shown in the final round of Group A Champions League against Napoli in midweek.
What’s interesting is that Firmino – who only has a contract until the summer of 2023 – scored 8 goals in all competitions this season, one more than record signing Nunez.
The fact that this duo has different playing styles and strengths makes Klopp have a headache choosing the name to lead the attack in London today.
British newspaper Sunsport commented that Firmino’s playing style would be more suitable against Tottenham – a team that always plays closely in a 5-4-1 formation.
Firmino jerking back to receive the ball, attracting the opponent’s defender to create space for Salah to exploit could be a tactical plan for Liverpool when playing Tottenham today.
It is also possible that Klopp will start both Nunez and Firmino in the 4-2-3-1 formation, as arranged in the match against Leeds a week ago.
Tottenham can choose to counterattack
If considering attacking play alone, there are two important aspects in which Tottenham excels more than any other club in the Premier League.
Under the Italian coach, Tottenham held the ball firmly and had a clear plan after recovery.
A five-man defense in a low formation helps Tottenham block all space against Marseille.
Tottenham is currently one of the best counter-attacking clubs in the Premier League as well as in the world.
However, Tottenham was not passive.
Once they successfully stole the ball, Tottenham immediately counterattacked.
A situation where Tottenham counterattacked quickly, finishing off Marseille with the score-setting goal in the 5th minute of injury time in the match on November 1.
In theory, Tottenham’s playing style is very suitable when facing Liverpool – the club always presses high and tries to impose the game.
This is a risky approach, because if Liverpool fails to press, the central defenders will be isolated.
By pushing the squad up high, Liverpool tends to leave a lot of space behind and is easily exploited by the opponent.
Alexander-Arnold’s crosses
Conte’s army could not cope with Kieffer Moore’s aerial power as a guest of Bournemouth last weekend.
Liverpool does not have a striker with a knack for aerial combat like Moore – who is 1m96 tall.
In particular, Alexander-Arnold continues to be a threat on Liverpool’s right wing since the beginning of the season.
Against Leeds, Alexander-Arnold passed 66 balls, with 53 accurate and many of them were dangerous crosses in the opponent’s third of the field.
Alexander-Arnold is often in the space between the right wing and the central area, instead of clinging to the edge like a regular full-back.
This is Liverpool’s familiar style of play under Klopp.
