Why Liverpool’s Best XI Might Ditch Salah: 5 Bold Reasons for Their Title-Winning Plan: Building
1.0 Introduction: The Search for a Winning Formula
Liverpool faced a tough time with “a crushing fourth defeat in a row.” But they bounced back with a strong win in the Champions League. Now, the debate about Liverpool’s best XI is intense. Fans and pundits are deep in debate. They’re trying to find the ideal lineup for a strong title defense.
This analysis goes beyond the usual names and safe choices. It explores a bold vision for a team that wants to keep its title. It’s a strategy that focuses on long-term goals. This approach aims to create a flexible, modern, and powerful force. Here are five key takeaways about Liverpool’s ideal lineup that might surprise you.
2.0 Takeaway 1: The Unthinkable Reality – It’s Time to Bench Mohamed Salah
The biggest shock in the new Liverpool lineup is that club legend Mohamed Salah isn’t starting. The idea that Salah might not always start grew after Jamie Carragher discussed it. He pointed out this should be especially true for away games. This sparked a larger discussion about a change in the team’s tactics. The core arguments for this radical decision are:
– A System in Transition: The team is shifting to a new system. Salah “doesn’t necessarily fit into any of those positions wholesale.””
• The End of a Luxury: Last season, the team focused entirely on Salah. He had “no defensive responsibility.” His offensive numbers have “dried up.” The team can’t keep a player who offers “nothing defensively.””
• A Shift in Strategy: The club’s recent signings signal an apparent strategic change. The analysis suggests that “the team isn’t looking to build around Salah for the next few years.”
This shift is a big change from what helped Liverpool succeed recently, as shown by this analysis:
“Last season Liverpool were built around Mo Salah He had no defensive responsibility He stayed as high and close to goal as he wanted to Everything was built for him to get his his production which he did fantastically But I think the issue is now that the season has started… The numbers have dried up. Now, you can afford someone who, first, offers nothing defensively. Also, they are getting older.”
3.0 Takeaway 2: The Team Exists in a “Halfway House” Building
Liverpool is in a “halfway house between two systems.” Understanding this change is key to decoding the team’s lineup choices. This affects the entire structure, from defence to attack, and directly explains the struggles of established stars like Salah, who is “basically been playing in a bit of a halfway house position… not quite wide, he’s not quite inside.”
This change is clear in the choice to play Kirkez instead of the established Andy Robertson. This is more than just current form. It’s smart to “bed Kirkez in” and help him “get used to the system they’ll play.” The manager is focused on long-term integration. This matters more than short-term comfort. The on-field partnerships are still developing, but that’s okay. This challenge grows with senior players who have high standards. An analyst notes, “I don’t think Van Dijk trusts anyone in football, left or right of him.” This highlights the strategic importance of sticking with Kirkez. Building
4.0 Takeaway 3: The “Cheat Code” Void Left by Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury is a “massive miss.” Replacing what he brings to the team is very hard. His influence on the team’s ability to build from the back is huge. One statistic shows this well. A social media graphic revealed that last season, Trent ranked in the 95th percentile for buildup play among fullbacks. His replacements, by contrast, ranked in the 42nd and 43rd percentiles.
This highlights the chasm in quality and style. Trent had a unique tactical edge. He “almost felt like a cheat code at times because he has a limitless bag for passing.” The reality is that any player in his role will fall short in creativity. His absence creates a big gap in the team’s creativity. This forces a major change in tactics. building
5.0 Takeaway 4: A New “Main Man” Has Unexpectedly Emerged
In a surprise to many, Ekitike has become Liverpool’s standout player this season. Amid the buzz of big signings, Ekitike has stepped up and taken on the role as their main player.
His rise stands out even more when you compare it to the struggles of costly new signing Alexander Isak. He is mainly playing because they spent a lot on him and want him fit. Ekitike has become the team’s top forward this season. His rise is a pleasant surprise and shows his skill and mindset.
“Three months ago, if I said Ekitike would lead Liverpool over Isak or Salah, you’d have thought, ‘What?’ That shows how well he’s doing now.”
6.0 Takeaway 5: The Future is a Fluid, Asymmetrical Shape
The proposed strongest XI doesn’t conform to a traditional formation, such as a 4-3-3. Instead, it embraces tactical fluidity, operating with a shape best described as “asymmetrical.” It changes based on the play phase. It shifts from a strict “442 out of possession” to a wide “352 in possession.” building
In practice, this means players have hybrid roles. A fullback like Robertson or Bradley can tuck in to create a back three when defending. Then, they can push forward as an overlapping winger when Liverpool has the ball. This design has numerical benefits and keeps opponents guessing with constant shape changes. This is a big tactical change. It shows Liverpool is moving to a modern and flexible system. This new approach makes the team unpredictable and harder to defend against.
7.0 Conclusion: A Gamble on Evolution
This proposed lineup is not just names; it’s a bold plan for Liverpool’s growth. It shifts away from relying on one big star like Salah. Instead, it embraces flexible tactics and trusts new talent over expensive, established players. building
It’s a vision for the future. It focuses on long-term dominance, not just short-term familiarity. It poses a key question for fans and analysts: Is betting on a future without Salah smart for winning titles? Or is it a risky move that overlooks the players who helped Liverpool succeed recently?
