Why Liverpool Are Going All In On Isak.

How Slot Sets-up With And Without The Swede.

Options, options, options. Liverpool’s evolution under Arne Slot is more than just a transition to a less heavy metal style of play. With ten players logging over 2,000 Premier League minutes last season, Liverpool relied heavily on a tight core to secure a title in Slot’s first season. However, this summer alludes to a strategic pivot away from an over reliance on key (ageing) players to a refreshed squad centred around youth, fluidity and versatility. This in itself is probably enough for Liverpool to be clear favourites domestically this season, however the addition of Alexander Isak is one hell of a cherry on top.

By the end of the 2024/25 season, Liverpool’s squad had become the fifth oldest in the Premier League. The additions of Jeremie Frimpong (24), Hugo Ekitike (23), Florian Wirtz (22), Milos Kerkez (21), Giorgi Mamardashvili (24), and potentially Isak (25) emphasise a real focus on adding youth alongside their experience instead of deliberately replacing; leading to a more fluid transition, a refresh not a rebuild.

Slot demands adaptability, which is illustrated by the vast number of formations and systems that were deployed last season: 4231, 352, 433, 325, 442, 424 and a 451. This range of systems leads to the need for players who offer a multitude of traits with high tactical intelligence, something this squad now has in abundance.

Think of a Christmas tree, the traditional big number 9 signing is similar to the star that sits atop completing the tree. Isak is as if the star was fitted with batteries which charged the lights that wrapped all the way round. There’s a tendency to frame these big money forwards as immediate saviours. For instance, the talk surrounding Gyokeres is how many goals will he score? Whereas Isak’s potential move to Liverpool isn’t about taking the goal scoring responsibility, but expanding the system’s ceiling.

For instance, Isak isn’t a poacher. He drifts wide and drops deep across all areas of the pitch. He excels in 1v1’s despite his frame, with 1.37 successful take ons p90 placing him in the 92nd percentile compared to forwards. His ability to drive from deep is also excellent, as his 2.71 progressive carries p90 is more than any Liverpool forward but also within the top 8% of his positional peers. Thus this isn’t just a smart lick of paint on a houses front door, Isak is the cement used to bind the very foundations.

Plan A?

So, how does this squad translate to the pitch. I believe it’ll revolve around 3 main systems, depending on opposition. For instance, against a side that concedes territory and possession, a 4231 (below).

This system allows for an overload of opposition’s back line leading to a front 6 with the incredibly offensive full back pairing of Kerkez and Frimpong who’s off the ball running will allow for Gakpo and Salah to move inside. Frimpong especially will alleviate Salah’s necessity to run with his 4.58 touches in the att pen area p90 are the most in Europe (positional peers). Additionally, the Hungarian brings more of a progressive quality, that Robertson lacked last season, with 2.86 progressive carries p90 (85th percentile).

The centre halves will split and Gravenberch is able to drop in deep where he excels at receiving the ball and either driving into space or breaking the lines by finding Wirtz who is arguably the best in the world at receiving passes whilst under pressure.

A Familiar Set-Up

A more transition focused side could like this.

In more chaotic games against sides who will press high leaving space in behind whilst also challenging with physicality. The shift in midfield brings in presence and increased running power that both Jones and Szoboszlai possess.

Also, the Hungarian’s passing range also combines well with Ekitike and Isak’s movement in behind a high line. Bradley replaces Frimpong the right hand side to introduce more security and balance.

Ekitike’s 3.04 progressive carries p90 (96th percentile) and his ability 1v1 makes him perfect for open basketball like games off the left hand side with a freedom to dart in behind or to receive on the turn. If Nunez stays at the club this is also a great environment for his strengths either as a 9 or on the left hand side.

Big-Game Shape

Obviously, not playing Isak or Ekitike seems bizarre however, at times Slot has utilised a double 10 system with no natural 9, and I love it. I believe in big games where experience and control is necessary it’s perfect.

Gomez and Robertson’s ability to tuck inside to create a back 3 leads to more control against counter attacks. Gakpo and Salah’s comfort on the touchline leads to the opponent’s back four being stretched across the pitch leading to large pocket’s of space that Wirtz and Szoboszlai excel in.

Additionally, the double 10’s intensity when out of possession and an increased pressing element will force the opposition long which combines well with the increased height and physicality at fullback.

Insane Squad Depth

Assessing the squad as a whole (squad depth shown below) alludes to a few depth issues in my opinion.

How does the Isak Liverpool transfer saga end?

Most glaringly is cover at centre half. With rumours of Konate departing next season, Van Dijk’s inevitable decline with age and Gomez’s history of injury issues. At least one, maybe two, new centre half’s are essential for the long and short term success. Links to Marc Guehi have been ever present and the England international would slot perfectly into this refreshed squad.

Minor issues such as a new 6 to cover for Gravenberch should be assessed, potentially someone who is more of a high volume passer who gets on the ball often is the profile I believe that should be recruited. However, with Adam Wharton’s potential availability next season I understand neglecting this positions for now.

Similarly, postponing movement for a right hand side attacker due to a potential Salah departure in the future also makes sense and a hope Chiesa can offer more than his 108 Premier League minutes from last season.

Fundamentally, Liverpool’s evolution under Slot is less of a revolution but a strategised reinvention. An emphasis on not only quality of player but how these players fit within a broader plan built on flexibility. They aren’t just building a squad to win one way, but win any way.

An injection of youth and tactical intelligence lead to Liverpool becoming arguably the most tactically diverse side in the world. However for a complete transformation there are still a few minor gaps that could do with improvement; a new centre back, defensive midfielder and a long term Salah replacement. However, Liverpool have set themselves up superbly, and with the potential of Isak on top of these additions this is going to be one hell of a side.