Liverpool could continue their summer spending spree by adding Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi during the January transfer window.
The Reds missed out on Guehi after Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish had a late change of heart, while Semenyo has emerged as a priority target in attack.
The pair could deduct another £100m or so from Liverpool‘s bank balance and would go a long way to improving their meek attempt at retaining the Premier League title.
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However, there is some worthwhile debate amongst Liverpool supporters over exactly how Arne Slot would fit both players into his starting XI.
Liverpool are still trying to extend Ibrahima Konate’s contract, meaning Guehi may have a fight on his hands to get into the team. Meanwhile, Slot has several options to vie with Semenyo on the wing.
As supporters look forward to two more exciting additions, perhaps there is a way Konate, Guehi and Semenyo all fit into Slot’s Liverpool masterplan.
Antoine Semenyo runs with the ball while being marked by Marc Guehi during Bournemouth's Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Liverpool could switch to three at the back
Eagle-eyed Liverpool supporters have noticed that the club’s U21 team have recently begun to experiment with a 3-5-2 formation including three centre-backs and wing-backs.
While this may mean nothing at all, the Reds do like to have tactical uniformity running through the club, and it could be instructive as to a change of approach from Slot.
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In this new system, keeping Konate and adding Guehi would make a great deal of sense.
The England man plays on the left of a back three for Crystal Palace and would have no problem slotting into something similar at Anfield.
Potential Liverpool starting XI
Potential Liverpool starting XI
Meanwhile, Konate would be given extra protection on the right, with Virgil van Dijk the clear leader through the centre.
The new system could also have ramifications for Semenyo. A workhorse of a winger who gets back as much as he gets forward, perhaps the Ghanaian is being earmarked for a wing-back role with the Reds.
With Jeremie Frimpong in a similar mould on the right, Semenyo could play left, with Florian Wirtz beside him in an attacking left midfield role, Dominik Szoboszlai one position further along, and a front two from the superstar trio of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool must improve defensively
While this may look like a slightly radical change to some supporters, it is all designed to improve Liverpool in defence while simultaneously getting the most out of their attackers.
The Reds have never played three at the back for an elongated period at any point in their history. But right now it feels a case of needs must.
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“Anfield was scary. I scored, I did a back-flip at the Kop end. I’m thinking ‘I’ve got them rattled.’ They’re clapping, celebrating, pushing the team on even more. I’m thinking ‘oh my god.’”
Antoine Semenyo on the best stadium he ever played at.
Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth celebrates scoring during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Bournemouth at Elland Road
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
If Konate does not stay, then this becomes more unlikely to happen. But if the Frenchman stays and Guehi arrives, it should be seen as something that could genuinely happen.
A back three of Guehi, Van Dijk and Konate with Giovanni Leoni waiting in the wings looks impressive, while having wing-backs such as Semenyo and Frimpong can overload the attack while retaining stability at the back.
With Mohamed Salah no longer a certain starter, leaving two slots up front could also get the most out of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, with Wirtz also being afforded a more free role to maximise his abilities. Watch this space.