Looking at the non pen xg faced vs shots faced chart, it just strikes me how shite Man utd is and the company they are keeping in that bottom left quadrant there, most of them in relegation places!
Very interesting Josh. Just wondering where do you envision Trent in Amorim’s system? He likes to play in Central roles so can’t imagine him being deployed as that right sided midfielder(wing back). Do you see him playing a pivot with macallister?
Thanks Max. I don't think we should rule out him being used as a wide centre-back on the right of a back three. Could also play as part of the double pivot. I've never liked him as a wing-back personally.
Fantastic read, one of the best overviews of Amorim not least because it also takes the time to look at the possible negative aspects of his appointment at Liverpool. One above all: Virgil Van Dijk - who has been Liverpool's best player this season - has been pretty vocal over his discomfort at playing with three at the back. Probably the best option that there is out there (Xabi excluded, of course) but not one that will come without (considerable?) headaches should it materialise.
Insightful as always Josh. I just wanted to add that Amorim has repeatedly lost his best midfielders during this time. Joao Palhinha, Matheus Nunes and Pedro Porro (used as RM for Sporting) now play in the Premier League, and even Palhinha’s replacement Manuel Ugarte was sold to PSG for big profit. So arguably Amorim copes with losing key players and is able to rebuild his team into title contenders.
Thanks mate, it's a great point and an important one as well. Shows he can evolve in a tactical sense, shows he can remain competitive as an underdog of sorts. There's shades of Klopp at BVB in there.
Great work as usual Josh. Only thing I will say is do you not think the 3-4-3 talk is a bit overstated? Like I imagine they have a different defensive structure but in possession they seem somewhat similar to how Klopps teams have evolved into over the last 18 months - if you look at it from the idea that Diaz and Bradley (at the moment) quite often take up positions of very aggressive wing backs, Szoboszlai as someone who moves between the middle and final third ( a little like Goncalves) leaving Salah and Nunez capable of doing something similar as to Edwards and Gyokeres.
I think (or hope ) probably much like with Alonso talk previously the result of their appointment would be fine tuning more than anything else
Thanks James. Sporting do have lots of different variations depending on who has the ball, and where it is on the pitch. In previous seasons, for example, Amorim has used 4-2-2-2 when building from the goalkeeper. The 3-4-3 is just his base formation, but it's still worth flagging as a sticking point due to certain players at Anfield. The squad wouldn't need that much surgery, but it would need to be tweaked, which equals more work for Hughes.
Golloping up any Amorim content right now and liking all I’m reading. Can’t really see past him now. Interesting to read your comments on the compatibility of our squad. Hopefully it all comes off and he finds a way to make it work. Exciting times!
While I can see the point re 3-4-3 and it not necessarily being ideal for Liverpool’s squad, I am not totally against it.
VVD played in a back 3 for Netherlands at the last World Cup, so has some experience in the middle of a 3.
Meanwhile, Klopps love of multifunctional players means we have many players who I am sure could adapt to a different role in midfield, with some time.
It might be that Amorim is not as wedded to the formation as we think, but if he is, I still think it can work without too much surgery.
Thanks Simon, I see both sides. Liverpool have really adaptable players and I do think we're moving away from specialists and towards positionless football, but some players could be in trouble if Amorim arrives.
Just gave it a read, brilliant! I am a little concerned about the 3-4-3 thing. We’ve just reinforced for a 4-3-3 in the summer and a couple of players I don’t think have a clear position: Mo Salah and Trent. Though I think Trent could play that RM role relatively well.
The defensive data is astounding! Excellent piece again Josh
Thanks Brian. Yeah, his defensive numbers really leap off the page, bulletproof.
Not even read this one but eagerly awaited and love it already! Can’t wait to get stuck in
Hope you like it Steve.
Looking at the non pen xg faced vs shots faced chart, it just strikes me how shite Man utd is and the company they are keeping in that bottom left quadrant there, most of them in relegation places!
Terrible, might be one of the worst coaching impacts I've ever seen.
yeah that image where Dom had acres of spaces in the middle of the park is ingrained in my mind, astonishing setup
And no mention of him achieving all this with Coates in his lineup 👏👏
Very interesting Josh. Just wondering where do you envision Trent in Amorim’s system? He likes to play in Central roles so can’t imagine him being deployed as that right sided midfielder(wing back). Do you see him playing a pivot with macallister?
Thanks Max. I don't think we should rule out him being used as a wide centre-back on the right of a back three. Could also play as part of the double pivot. I've never liked him as a wing-back personally.
Fantastic read, one of the best overviews of Amorim not least because it also takes the time to look at the possible negative aspects of his appointment at Liverpool. One above all: Virgil Van Dijk - who has been Liverpool's best player this season - has been pretty vocal over his discomfort at playing with three at the back. Probably the best option that there is out there (Xabi excluded, of course) but not one that will come without (considerable?) headaches should it materialise.
Thanks Paul, cheers mate.
Insightful as always Josh. I just wanted to add that Amorim has repeatedly lost his best midfielders during this time. Joao Palhinha, Matheus Nunes and Pedro Porro (used as RM for Sporting) now play in the Premier League, and even Palhinha’s replacement Manuel Ugarte was sold to PSG for big profit. So arguably Amorim copes with losing key players and is able to rebuild his team into title contenders.
Thanks mate, it's a great point and an important one as well. Shows he can evolve in a tactical sense, shows he can remain competitive as an underdog of sorts. There's shades of Klopp at BVB in there.
Great work as usual Josh. Only thing I will say is do you not think the 3-4-3 talk is a bit overstated? Like I imagine they have a different defensive structure but in possession they seem somewhat similar to how Klopps teams have evolved into over the last 18 months - if you look at it from the idea that Diaz and Bradley (at the moment) quite often take up positions of very aggressive wing backs, Szoboszlai as someone who moves between the middle and final third ( a little like Goncalves) leaving Salah and Nunez capable of doing something similar as to Edwards and Gyokeres.
I think (or hope ) probably much like with Alonso talk previously the result of their appointment would be fine tuning more than anything else
Thanks James. Sporting do have lots of different variations depending on who has the ball, and where it is on the pitch. In previous seasons, for example, Amorim has used 4-2-2-2 when building from the goalkeeper. The 3-4-3 is just his base formation, but it's still worth flagging as a sticking point due to certain players at Anfield. The squad wouldn't need that much surgery, but it would need to be tweaked, which equals more work for Hughes.
Golloping up any Amorim content right now and liking all I’m reading. Can’t really see past him now. Interesting to read your comments on the compatibility of our squad. Hopefully it all comes off and he finds a way to make it work. Exciting times!
While I can see the point re 3-4-3 and it not necessarily being ideal for Liverpool’s squad, I am not totally against it.
VVD played in a back 3 for Netherlands at the last World Cup, so has some experience in the middle of a 3.
Meanwhile, Klopps love of multifunctional players means we have many players who I am sure could adapt to a different role in midfield, with some time.
It might be that Amorim is not as wedded to the formation as we think, but if he is, I still think it can work without too much surgery.
Good read as always!
Thanks Simon, I see both sides. Liverpool have really adaptable players and I do think we're moving away from specialists and towards positionless football, but some players could be in trouble if Amorim arrives.
Great article mate. A very good read and backed up by the data!
Thanks Sherwyn.
Don’t have time to read this one today, but I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks Jack, enjoy mate.
Just gave it a read, brilliant! I am a little concerned about the 3-4-3 thing. We’ve just reinforced for a 4-3-3 in the summer and a couple of players I don’t think have a clear position: Mo Salah and Trent. Though I think Trent could play that RM role relatively well.