In the aftermath of Liverpool‘s winning 4-0 demolition of visiting Bayer Leverkusen (on Tuesday evening), the new Liverpool head coach, Arne Slot, walks away not only with the scalp of former Anfield legend, Xabi Alonso, but also with the knowledge that he may well have created the successor to the legendary Brazilian star, Roberto Firmino.
Following a wondrous hat-trick of goals on Tuesday evening, by Luis Díaz, the decision to place the Colombian flyer into the famous false nine position, is the type of tactical decision that is propelling the status of the former Feyenoord manager to an elite level. With a remarkable start to life on Merseyside, it is become hard to ignore the inevitable success that is forthcoming, one that is moving alongside nicely in year one of this new footballing era.
How Did the Decision Come About?
In various post-match interviews (on Tuesday night), the 46-year-old Dutch boss, Slot, was keen to outline his reasonings in adjusting the role of the 27-year-old forward, Luis Díaz. A desire to rest the Uruguay striker, Darwin Núñez, was a logical step undertaken by the Merseyside decision maker, essentially given that his Portuguese poacher, Diogo Jota, remains sidelined until after the upcoming international break.
Beyond this reasonable judgment and team selection, it was still surprising to many, to see Lucho shifted inside from his regular left-wing position, especially given that Cody Gakpo was also a starting entity in that Champions League tie.
It appears that each team selection, as well as each encounter within Liverpool‘s frenetic schedule of games, will see tactical innovation implemented into the group. Such choices are those that can specifically counter the opposition at hand, with a keen interest on how to disrupt the adversity posed by opponents. With the Reds facing off against a solid Bundesliga backline in midweek, the decision not to choose either 6ft 4inch Cody Gakpo, or 6ft 3inch Darwin Núñez, was done so by specific design.
At the heart of Bayer Leverkusen’s defence resided the monstrous frame of Jonathan Tah, who would have looked to battle either of the predominant (and physically imposing) centre forwards mentioned. Instead, the choosing of the reds no.23, Luis Díaz, was done so to create a differing style and leave the giant defender without a target man to handle. The call was smart and the result emphatic, as the movement and unpredictable nature of Lucho saw him net three times on the night, whilst producing a man of the match display.
Will This Trait Continue?
The confusion created by the surprise forward line will be hard to replicate, especially with so many teams now investing in how they combat opponents with tactical training. Ultimately, the option was created by a brave and determined head coach, one who can now alter and adjust his stable of assets even more so.
Not every game will be as successful as the last, however, as the reds rivals, Arsenal, continue to struggle with predictable patterns of play, the Premier League leaders, Liverpool, can rejoice in their victory and their profound ability to keep opposition managers guessing.
Where once Bobby Firmino dazzled in the famous false nine position, so too can the Colombian sensation, Luis Díaz, who after nine goals in fifteen games, may just become central to Arne Slots tantalizing plans.
