This Tactical Change Could ‘Revolutionise’ Liverpool’s Success Under Arne Slot – Opinion | OneFootball

Could Liverpool Be Headed for a 4-4-2 Evolution Under Arne Slot?

As Liverpool edge closer to a record-equalling 20th league title, attention behind the scenes has already turned to how Arne Slot plans to reshape his squad and system for the seasons ahead, with Michael Edwards and Richard plotting the continuing pathway. With a new-look forward line likely and the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold still unresolved, there are growing indications that a structural shift could be on the horizon—potentially towards a 4-4-2. The club’s reported interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s dynamic wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, combined with the contract stand-off involving Alexander-Arnold, suggests a more traditional shape could accommodate tactical efficiency and incoming personnel.

If Trent does depart, and with Mohamed Salah expected to remain for at least two more years, a partnership-based front line may be the solution that maximises Liverpool’s elite assets without overcomplicating their defensive responsibilities.

Photo: IMAGO

Trent’s Uncertain Future and Frimpong’s Attacking Profile

Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation remains in a state of limbo. While the club maintains a dialogue with his camp and the player himself, Real Madrid’s interest is real and unresolved, one that is bro by the player out to the extreme by prominent social media accounts. Should he move on, it would leave not just a tactical gap but an ideological one—Liverpool would lose a creative conduit that was defined under Jürgen Klopp. But Slot, with a more structured and less possession-obsessed approach, may favour a cleaner tactical solution: balance across all four lines of play, rather than building a system around a single fullback’s unique skill set.

Frimpong’s name has surfaced regularly and fits this evolving idea. The Dutchman is not a traditional right-back but a high-flying wing-back with incredible attacking output. Slot’s prior teams in Rotterdam have leaned on width, overlapping runners, and rapid transitions—Frimpong offers all three. His inclusion would not require replicating Trent’s playmaking but could, instead, simplify the shape. That paves the way for a compact back four, a flat or narrow midfield four, and a forward duo that takes advantage of Salah’s experience in central spaces. The signing of the wide man would see him move into a traditional right win position, with the need for a new and more defensive right back still there.

Photo: IMAGO

A New Strike Force, and Salah’s Next Evolution

It’s no secret that Liverpool are in the market for one, potentially two forwards. With Darwin Núñez’s inconsistency and Diogo Jota’s fitness struggles, Slot will want a focal point who can stretch defences but also play in tight areas. A 4-4-2—featuring Salah in a second striker role—could allow the Egyptian to transition into the next phase of his career, preserving his explosiveness while easing the physical burden of touchline-to-touchline wing play.

Szoboszlai, too, could be a key beneficiary. If stationed on the left of a midfield four, he could cut inside, contribute to overloads centrally, and allow Liverpool to build through him when needed. Should Liverpool sign a defensive midfielder in the mould of Adam Wharton or Aurélien Tchouaméni, the team could support both full-backs pushing forward while still protecting the central spine. In this configuration, Salah plays closer to the goal, supported by a runner—perhaps someone like Jonathan David, Santiago Giménez, or even a younger emerging option.

Such a move would also open the door to a creative addition in the No.10 mould—Florian Wirtz remains of huge interest and would be a natural fit in a hybrid midfield, whether from the left or tucked in behind a forward line.

Formation Shift or Just Evolution?

Whether Slot fully implements a 4-4-2 or simply leans on it situationally, the club appears ready to pivot from the positional framework that defined the Klopp era. With Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes overseeing the rebuild, this isn’t just about new players—it’s about new combinations, new automatisms, and a team less reliant on individual brilliance to solve structural problems.

The 4-3-3 that powered Liverpool’s dominance may still appear in moments, but with Diaz potentially departing, Trent possibly moving on, and a new front line being sculpted, Slot’s blueprint may require a bolder structural reset. A two-striker system anchored by Salah could offer just that—fresh problems for opposition defences and a more balanced Liverpool for the seasons ahead.

The summer transfer window won’t just be about who comes in—it will be about who the new Liverpool becomes. And if that side takes the field in a 4-4-2, it may not be nostalgia—it may be evolution.