Liverpool Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Wirtz · Chiesa · Salah · Gravenberch · Szoboszlai · Mac Allister · Kerkez · Frimpong · van Dijk · Konaté · Alisson

Liverpool intends to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly. This 5-2-3 formation relies on intense pressure and rapid vertical movements to unsettle the opposition. The team looks to use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence before breaking the lines with direct passes.

Alisson starts from the goal to organize the back line and sweep behind the defence. The back three of Gravenberch, van Dijk, and Konaté provides a solid base to defend zonally. van Dijk uses his aerial strength to win headers and command the line, while Konaté provides strength in one on one situations. Frimpong and Kerkez act as attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width and overlap the wingers. This defensive unit works to squeeze the space and force a long ball.

The midfield operates as a double pivot with Szoboszlai and Mac Allister in the center. Mac Allister receives the ball from the defenders to play out from the back and connects the defensive and attacking lines. Szoboszlai uses his passing range to switch play and presses aggressively to win the ball back high up the pitch. This pairing ensures the team can recycle possession or immediately launch a counter at pace.

Up front, Wirtz acts as the lone striker to press from the front and link play. Salah and Chiesa operate as wide attackers, with Salah often looking to cut inside and attack the far post. The attack relies on the movement of the front three to create runs in behind and isolate defenders. Frimpong and Kerkez provide constant support to allow Salah and Chiesa to stay central or move into the half-spaces.

A major strength for Liverpool is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of Frimpong and Kerkez. The team also benefits from the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to build out from the back. This formation also allows for great speed of transition once the ball is won in the middle third.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for aggressive, high intensity football that hunts for the ball. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high line and can be punished with quick runs in behind.