Slotte set up the giant formation, why does Liverpool have to learn from Arsenal?

With Ekitic already, Liverpool is still struggling to compete for Isaac. Slot's tendency to build a "giant formation" is already very obvious, and Liverpool's tactical style seems to be moving closer to Arsenal.

"Energy saving and emission reduction", Giant Formation came to protect the bottom

In order to get rid of the troubles of injuries and promote the ball control tactics, Klopp continued to "cool down" the oppressive style of play in the last two seasons during his tenure. In the 2023/24 season, Liverpool only ranked in the middle of the Premier League (9th place), and ranked 11th in the league in the number of times they averaged in the offensive third zone. Slot continued this idea after taking office. Liverpool's average running distance in the 2024/25 season fell to the end of the league (20th place). After losing oppression and pressing, the Reds must improve their confrontation and defensive capabilities to make up for this lack. Building a giant formation is the most feasible operation.

Following Arsenal, the champion learns from the runner-up

In the process of leading Arsenal into the championship group, Arteta built the best defense line in the Premier League, and the tall players combined. The Gunners, who were soft in the past, became one of the strongest teams in the league in confrontation, and the offensive efficiency of set pieces was daunting. Liverpool's "energy conservation and emission reduction" during Slot's tenure, so naturally we must move closer to this idea. The tall players of the Klopp era are concentrated in the midfield and backcourt, and Slot hopes that there will be several giants in the frontcourt to occupy the space, and players over 1.90 meters tall are very popular.

The Dutch Gang favored by Slot mainly consists of tall players.

In addition to Van Dek, Connat, Heraffenberg, Gakpo and Ekitic, Sobosloy (1.86 meters) also has good confrontation and air control capabilities. If Isaac eventually joins, Liverpool's main lineup will completely become a giant formation. Around the tall central axis, players who can provide running coverage are very important, with McAllister, Kolkz and Flynnon on their shoulders.