Manchester United vs Liverpool - a deep tactical analysis: 4-2-4 pressing system, numerical advantage inside MUN's box, 3-2 build-up shape, #LFC's in-possession and OOP structure & Szoboszlai's complex role. 🧐 ⏩ Visuals by @xfbsays ⏪ 🧵 A Thread

As the above scene shows, Slot operated with a 3-2 build-up system when they wanted to bring the ball out from deep areas. Alisson stepped between Konaté & VVD as they tried to bypass the 1st line of United's narrow 2-man pressing (Rashford, Zirkzee). 👆

When MUN didn't want to press so high, LFC mostly a 3-2-5 formation in-possession just like vs BRE & it proved to be successful again! The Robertson-VVD-Konaté trio started the build-ups, the Gravenberch-Macca double-pivot helped to circulate the ball while TAA moved forward. 🔎

Mac Allister supported the build-ups so well and had an amazing game as he completed 43 out of his 47 passes (91%). He also had 65 touches, 5 passes into the final 3rd, 5/6 successful tackles, 3 clearances and 8 recoveries. What a complex midfielder he is! 👏

Szoboszlai as LFC's new No. 10 was also just sensational vs MUN! As the visual below shows, he had an absolutely stunning 90% passing accuracy (35/39)! In addition, he created 3 chances, had 50 touches, 10 recoveries and a 3/5 ground duels won rate! 👌

Along Díaz and Salah, Gravenberch had the most carries which was a very effective way to progress the ball upfield. Gravenberch as a No. 6 has been fantastic so far this season in the #PL, he's very useful not just in the build-ups but in possession/attack and OOP too. 💪

It was interesting to see how often Liverpool outnumbered MUN inside the penalty area! When Díaz had the ball at his feet, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Jota, Salah & TAA all arrived into the box to offer pass-options and to create a numerical advantage (6v5) vs United. 🤔

LFC used a 4-2-4 formation when pressing on the opp. half & they defended so well vs MUN, especially in the 1st half (allowed only 0.08 xG)! The Macca-Gravenberch duo closed the central zones effectively while the Díaz-Jota-Szobo-Salah quartet directed the ball into the wings! 👏

These scenes underline well how great LFC looked out of possession & how they made it harder to United to bring the ball out from their own defensive third. Liverpool set the pressing traps so well and when they had the opportunity, they regained possession high up the pitch. 🔥

Analysing this typical situation from the game, we can see that Díaz was ready to jump to de Ligt or Mazraoui, Macca positioned himself between Fernandes & Zirkzee while it was a 4v4 situation around the ball where the LFC players closed down their pairs so aggressively! 🫣

Thanks to the well-oiled and so effective pressing, LFC had 48 (!) interceptions, compared to MUN's 33. As the viz indicates, Liverpool was very active on the opp. half which led to many high turnovers and dangerous attacking transitions. 🧐

Liverpool absolutely dominated the midfield vs MUN & the 3 central midfielders was outstanding! As the Szoboszlai-Gravenberch-Macca trio's aggregated defensive workrate visual shows, they closed the central zones very well, especially on the center of opp. half! 👁️

VVD was rock solid as he organised the team so well from the back. Liverpool now have 3/3 clean sheets in the PL so far and he has a tremendous merit in this! He had 69/73 successful passes (95%), 2/3 long balls, 91 touches, 3 recoveries & the most defensive actions vs MUN! 💪

Arne Slot's LFC looked organised both in build-up, in attack & in pressing vs MUN, the balance is clear to see! They have the defensive solidity & they also have the firepower up front. Based on what I've seen, they can achieve something special this season! 🔥 🧵 End of Thread

yes