Liverpool’s 2024/25 campaign culminated in a landmark Premier League title, underscoring a season characterised by tactical evolution, strategic clarity, and collective resilience.
Rather than opting for wholesale changes, Arne Slot focused on refining Liverpool’s playing style, emphasising a balance between control and intensity while ensuring optimal squad management to navigate the demands of a grueling campaign.
His tactical pragmatism and attention to detail enabled the team to overcome previous inconsistencies and maintain high standards, therefore, we will be delving deeper into five pivotal tactical adjustments that proved decisive in Liverpool’s journey to reclaiming their Premier League crown.
NEW ROLE FOR GRAVENBERCH
David Rawcliffe/Propaganda.
One of the most significant tactical evolutions under Slot was the repositioning of Ryan Gravenberch.
Initially deployed in more advanced midfield roles, Gravenberch was consistently assigned the deep-lying midfielder position, often referred to as the ‘number 6’.
This role capitalised on his technical proficiency, composure under pressure, and precise passing ability.
Operating deeper in midfield, Gravenberch became a crucial link between defense and attack, responsible for initiating build-up play and maintaining possession under pressure.
This adjustment enabled more attack-minded midfielders like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to operate with greater freedom and creativity further forward.
Gravenberch’s adaptation was also fundamental in improving Liverpool’s transitional phases, reducing turnovers, and enhancing the team’s structural coherence.
His presence provided defensive cover while facilitating controlled, progressive ball movement.
An important foundation for Liverpool’s successful season as he scooped up the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season Award.
CONTROL IS KEY
While Liverpool maintained their renowned intensity and pressing, Arne Slot introduced a more measured and possession-oriented style.
This shift emphasized controlling the tempo and dictating play through sustained ball retention.
During the campaign, Liverpool regularly maintained possession levels, even against top-tier opposition.
Passing accuracy improved, reflecting more deliberate build-up play and patience in possession.
The controlled style aided in conserving player energy, enabling sustained pressing efforts and defensive discipline throughout the 90 minutes.
INCREASE IN PLAYER AVAILABILITY
Improved player availability was a cornerstone of Liverpool’s title-winning season.
Compared to previous campaigns plagued by injuries, the 2024–25 season saw a markedly healthier squad, thanks in part to Slot’s effective rotation policy.
Liverpool utilised 24 players in the Premier League, with the manager opting for a smaller squad, resulting in many plsyers remaining on the fringes.
This meant that Slot was happy with sending out the same crop of eleven players for the vast majority, but key assets such as Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister were wrapped in cotton wool once the title was secured.
The strategic management of workloads, combined with advancements in conditioning and medical protocols, allowed Liverpool to maintain consistent performance levels and avoid the injury setbacks that had hindered previous seasons.
DISCIPLINED FULL-BACKS
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have formed a world-class full-back partnership for Liverpool. Carl Recine/Getty Images.
Liverpool’s full-backs, historically known for their attacking contributions, assumed more disciplined roles throughout the season.
This tactical adjustment emphasised defensive positioning and maintaining team shape over frequent forward runs.
Conor Bradley emerged as a reliable right-back option, balancing defensive duties with measured offensive support, while Trent Alexander-Arnold’s forward forays were served with caution to preserve structural integrity.
Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas also helped out over on the left-flank, offering depth and energy.
The full-backs’ discipline helped limit vulnerabilities on counterattacks and ensured compactness, reinforcing the team’s overall defensive organisation.
PROACTIVE IN-GAME MANAGEMENT
Arne Slot’s tactical flexibility and proactive in-game management distinguished Liverpool throughout their league-title triumph.
Slot’s substitutions and tactical adjustments were frequently decisive in altering the momentum of tight matches.
These interventions helped Liverpool maintain control in critical moments, turning potential draws or losses into vital victories.
Arne Slot’s inaugural season as Liverpool manager was marked by a blend of tactical refinement, strategic pragmatism, and effective squad management.
These tactical tweaks addressed shortcomings evident in previous seasons and maximized Liverpool’s collective strengths, resulting in a team capable of sustained excellence across a demanding campaign.
The Reds’ Premier League title was not simply a product of individual brilliance but a testament to a coherent tactical vision.
As the season draws to a close, attention will inevitably turn to the challenges ahead.
But with strong foundations now firmly in place, Liverpool and Arne Slot are well-positioned to build on this success.
They may already have their sights set on number twenty-one next season.
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