Liverpool switching to a 3-5-2 formation will have a positive impact on Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong, but Mohamed Salah can’t feature.
It’s become increasingly clear that Arne Slot’s current system cannot accommodate all of the Reds’ attacking options.
Isak is back in March, and when he returns, Slot will have to try and fit Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, the Swede, Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai into the same XI.
Surely there’s no way back to Salah’s best from here?
A new record drought in the Premier League…
Mohamed Salah shakes Arne Slot's hand as he comes off during Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Creidt; Getty Images/Liverpool FC
But what if he didn’t, and instead started to make plans for Liverpool to switch from a back-four to a back-three/five?
Why 3-5-2 should be Liverpool’s new formation in 2026/27
Well, if that were to happen under Slot or another manager, it would solve a number of issues.
Firstly, we have seen Salah’s form decline a great deal in the 2025/26 campaign. Yes, he’s still posting OK numbers compared to other Premier League wingers like Bukayo Saka, but as we saw against Nottingham Forest, the effort levels just aren’t there.
The Egyptian still has Saudi Pro League interest, and right now, it seems the best solution for all parties would be a summer sale.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
That would, of course, leave Liverpool needing to sign a new right-winger in the summer as Federico Chiesa isn’t good enough to start every game.
However, switching to a 3-5-2 negates the need for wingers, which would also mean Cody Gakpo doesn’t have to be selected in as many games.
Gakpo has been a source of frustration for Liverpool fans this season. But after Luis Diaz’s sale, the Dutchman is the only natural left-wing option available to Slot, apart from Academy players.
But again, if Liverpool stop playing natural wingers, it would mean there is no need for Salah and Gakpo to start.
Pick the more underrated Liverpool legend – Roberto Firmino or Jordan Henderson?
Instead, the front three should look like Isak and Hugo Ekitike playing as strikers, with Florian Wirtz just behind them in his natural 10 role.
Whether you think the decision to spend close to £200m on two centre-forwards in one summer was wise or not, the reality is that both of them need to start regularly – Isak for his record-breaking price-tag and the Frenchman because he’s the Reds’ top scorer this term.
Ekitike can play off the left, as can the ex-Newcastle United man. But why use players out of position when you can just upgrade the overall quality of the team by adopting a new system?
That brings us onto the base of midfield, where Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch should feature in the pivot.
Alexis Mac Allister has struggled this season, while Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s best player.
Again, it’s hard to see too many fans complaining about the Argentine losing his place for that midfield duo.
You may ask who will provide the pace if Liverpool don’t play wingers? Well, first of all, Gakpo and Salah aren’t exactly doing that right now anyway.
Secondly, switching to a three/five-back would give Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez more licence to get forward.
The Dutchman is a natural wing-back anyway and excelled in that role under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.
He is also probably the quickest player Liverpool have right now, so if anything, it makes them much more dangerous out wide than they currently are.
The impending arrival of Jeremy Jacquet and the return of Giovanni Leoni would also mean there will be more cover at centre-back come 2026/27.
CHANGE MY MIND: This WILL be Liverpool’s best XI after Jacquet arrives!
Isak HAS to play and wing-backs will give Slot the pace he’s been crying out for…
Liverpool's 2026/27 predicted XI - GRV Media line-up
Liverpool’s 2026/27 predicted XI – GRV Media line-up
Yes, another experienced defender should probably be signed. So, instead of trying to compete for a winger like Yan Diomande, Liverpool should spend big on another centre-back – something they will need to do anyway once Virgil van Dijk eventually leaves.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox