Liverpool Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Isak · Wirtz · Chiesa · Mac Allister · Szoboszlai · Gravenberch · Kerkez · van Dijk · Araujo · Jacquet · Alisson

Liverpool aims to win the ball high up the pitch and strike with pace, utilizing a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup focuses on heavy verticality and quick transitions to catch opponents out of position. By using a wide attacking front, Liverpool can stretch the defence and create space for runners to hit in behind.

Alisson acts as the last line of defence, often sweeping behind a high line to collect long balls. The back three consists of Gravenberch, van Dijk, and Araujo, where van Dijk uses his aerial strength and reading of the game to command the area. Araujo provides physical presence to mark the striker, while Gravenberch can step into midfield to help build play from the back. Kerkez and Jacquet act as attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width and deliver crosses. This defensive unit stays compact to deny the turn to opposition attackers.

The midfield operates as a double pivot to control the central zones. Mac Allister connects the defensive and attacking lines, often dropping deep to receive the ball and play through the lines. Szoboszlai acts as a carrier, driving forward with the ball to press aggressively and win the second ball in the middle third. They work to compress the midfield and ensure the team stays balanced when the wing backs push forward.

In the final third, Liverpool uses three attackers to pin the last defender. Isak operates as a pressing centre-forward, looking to hold up the ball and link up play between the lines. Wirtz plays as an inverted winger on the left, cutting inside to create chances, while Chiesa operates on the right to exploit space. The formation is designed to create cutbacks from the byline and isolate wide players in one on one situations through rapid transition play.

The main advantages of this 5-2-3 lineup are the wide overloads provided by Kerkez and Jacquet and the ability to press in coordinated waves. Having three attackers allows the team to pin the opposition back, while the three center backs ensure stability against counter attacks. This setup allows for great flexibility to shift between a back five and a back three during the attacking phase.

Liverpool relies on a high press and rapid verticality to dominate games. This formation is best suited for facing teams that play a high line or struggle to defend against quick transitions.