After winning the Premier League last season, Liverpool entered the 2025/26 campaign with high expectations. Those ambitions were further fuelled by a lavish summer transfer window that saw Arne Slot’s side bring in Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez.
However, the Reds have struggled to find their rhythm so far, and their recent loss to Manchester United marked a third consecutive league defeat. Naturally, that has led to mounting scrutiny over several key players.
Big names such as Isak, Wirtz, Kerkez, and even established stars Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have yet to hit top form. Slot, meanwhile, appears to be wrestling with how to fit all his attacking talents into a cohesive system.
With Liverpool’s title defence faltering, here are three bold line-up ideas the Dutch boss could consider to spark a turnaround.
Formation 1: Ekitike and Robertson in, Isak and Kerkez Out
One of Liverpool’s biggest issues this season has been defensive inconsistency. Assuming Alisson remains a guaranteed starter, Slot could look to stabilise his backline by making changes in the fullback positions.
Andy Robertson’s experience could be key, replacing Kerkez, who has found life at Anfield difficult so far. On the right, sticking with the reliable Conor Bradley instead of rotating between Frimpong and Szoboszlai might offer more defensive balance.
In midfield, with Alexis Mac Allister struggling for form, Slot could hand more minutes to Curtis Jones. The Englishman’s energy and Premier League know-how could bring control to a shaky midfield.
Up front, it might be time to rest Isak – who is still searching for his first league goal – and give Ekitike another chance. The French forward impressed earlier in the season and could complement Salah and Gakpo well across the front line.
Formation 2: A Back Three to Unlock Wirtz and Frimpong
Switching to a three-man defence would be a daring but potentially rewarding move, particularly for Liverpool’s new recruits.
This setup would allow Kerkez and Frimpong to shine as wingbacks, bombing forward with the security of three centre-backs behind them. Midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai could provide balance by covering defensively when needed.
Wirtz, who thrived in a similar system at Bayer Leverkusen, would also benefit from the tactical shift, gaining more freedom in advanced areas. Salah, meanwhile, could be freed of defensive duties and focus entirely on attacking.
With two striker roles available, Slot could rotate between Isak, Ekitike, and Salah – justifying the heavy investment in his new attacking options.
Formation 3: Dropping Salah to Play Isak and Ekitike Together
Jamie Carragher recently suggested that Salah should no longer be guaranteed a starting spot, and this lineup explores that idea.
Kerkez would retain his place on the left, with Szoboszlai on the right to provide width and control. Mac Allister would return to central midfield alongside Gravenberch, sitting just ahead of Van Dijk and Konaté.
Wirtz would operate as the creative force in the number 10 role, feeding a front two of Isak and Ekitike. Frimpong could be used in Salah’s usual right-sided position, offering pace, defensive work rate, and attacking intent.
This system would give Isak and Ekitike freedom to move and interchange, supported by Wirtz’s playmaking. Meanwhile, Salah could be used as a high-impact substitute – a way to manage his minutes as he enters the later stages of his career.
Leave a Reply