Liverpool’s record-breaking spending spree has concluded, and with it comes a wealth of attacking talent that has manager Arne Slot spoiled for choice.
The arrivals of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz have transformed Liverpool's attack, and now all eyes are on how the Dutch manager will fit his new pieces into a cohesive system.
Isak, a British-record signing, is a versatile and technically gifted centre-forward who can lead the line on his own or work in a front two.
Ekitike is a right-footed striker with explosive speed and excellent dribbling skills, while Wirtz is a German playmaker who is comfortable operating in both midfield and on the wing.
This versatility gives Slot a number of different tactical options.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Here are three potential ways Arne Slot could line up his new-look attack:
Option 1: The Modern 4-3-3
This is a formation that Liverpool fans are already familiar with, and it would allow Slot to integrate his new signings into a system that has already proven successful.
In this setup, Isak would lead the line as the lone striker, with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo on the wings.
This would also see Wirtz play in a slightly deeper role where he would be able to pick up the ball with more space.
This would allow Salah to continue his goalscoring heroics from the right, while Wirtz could operate as a playmaker.
This formation would also allow Liverpool’s new full-backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, to push forward and provide additional attacking options.
Option 2: The Two-Striker 4-4-2
This would be a more radical option, but it is one that would allow Slot to fully utilise the talents of both Isak and Ekitike.
In this formation, the two strikers would operate as a front two, with Salah and Gakpo on the wings.
This would allow Isak and Ekitike to stretch the opposition defence with their pace and movement, while Salah and Gakpo
could provide a constant supply of crosses and through balls.
The downside to this formation however, is that it would leave Wirtz out of the starting XI as he could not play in the midfield two as it would leave Liverpool too vulnerable at the back.
Option 3: The Flexible 4-2-3-1
This formation would be a great way to use the creativity of Florian Wirtz.
In this setup, Alexander Isak would be the lone striker, with Florian Wirtz as the number 10, operating behind the striker.
Mohamed Salah would continue to operate on the right, with either Hugo Ekitike or Cody Gakpo on the left.
This formation would allow Wirtz to dictate play in the final third, while Isak would be the focal point of the attack.
What will Arne Slot do?
Liverpool has a number of different options in attack, and it will be up to Slot to find the best combination.
The arrival of Isak, Ekitike, and Wirtz has given him a number of different options, and the Premier League champions are in a great position to challenge for the title again this season.
The challenge for Slot however, is that he cannot play all of his new superstars in their favoured postitons in the same side.
This season will see some of these players adapt, such as Ekitike potentially playing out wide.
Liverpool news and related links
- Alexander Isak to Liverpool: Latest news as striker completes British record £125 million transfer on deadline day
- Most expensive transfers in soccer history: All-time list of biggest football deals with Isak joining Neymar, Mbappe
- Why didn't Marc Guehi join Liverpool? Collapse of Crystal Palace captain's £35m transfer explained