EBL

Here we see Robertson and Bradley in low-lying fullback positions against Real Madrid. Ancelotti's team defended in a 4-4-2 and it was the role of their wide midfielders to get pressure on Liverpool's fullbacks. When they did, Liverpool had clear solutions to bypass the press.

Take this moment, for example. Bellingham jumps to Bradley and he has a variety of options to hit. He can play into Salah who is coming to feet, into the channel to find Jones running from deep or directly into Núñez in the #9. This is made possible because of the positioning.

So often teams play with fullbacks inside the pitch. But with Liverpool playing their fullbacks in low and wide positions they create lots of passing lanes into the front. Gravenberch is their only #6 so between the front 3 and the #8's there's lot of progressive options.

We can see Liverpool's 4-1 build here. So often we see a 3-2 shape which can condense the middle of the pitch and block the passing lanes into the front. Liverpool have elite serving qualities from fullback positions to exploit these spaces that are open for them.

Most interestingly, though, Arne Slot is incredibly adaptable. He has no problem adapting during games if he feels that there is a superior alternative to the aforementioned idea. For example, against Real Madrid, Slot pushed Bradley on between the lines at half-time.

This was because Liverpool consistently outnumbered Madrid's press and sustained pressure with ease all half. Not only that, but they also kept 5 players behind the ball to manage Madrid's transitions, but with no Vinicius Jr. on the pitch Slot adapted his structure.

Instead of building with 5, Liverpool began to build with 4 and attacked with an extra number in the last line. This tactical tweak led directly to Liverpool finding the breakthrough in this game with Bradley assisting Mac Allister's goal.

However, Liverpool primarily play with low fullbacks in a 4-1 structure, but the sheer fact that they are adaptable & tweak the role of the fullbacks depending on how they opposition press/play each week speaks to the intelligence of Slot. Subtle, but it makes a huge difference.

In the build-up, Liverpool's low fullbacks are equally as difficult to manage. It's not common to see fullbacks *THIS* deep when teams play out from the back. But the idea is simple: 1) Press them and Liverpool play over, 2) Leave them and Liverpool build through the pitch.

For example, Spence jumps from fullback to pressurise Trent in a man-to-man press. Because Trent is a total unicorn, he can play around the corner (with accuracy) into Liverpool's attack in 1v1 situations, leaving moments like THIS for them in an artificially created transition.

Alternatively, if you sit off, Trent can kill you in 100 different ways, some of which being switches of play or balls in behind to willing runners. Not to mention that Robertson and Bradley are similarly capable of playing decisive passes (although not quite to Trent's level).

And, in the final third, it allows Trent to face the play so he can dictate attacks and create/cross from dangerous positions (like below). Liverpool fans worried about Trent's impact/importance under Slot at the start of his tenure. Turns out the system is built around him..

Slot has harnessed a special squad, but he has created optimal conditions from them to succeed. If you press Liverpool, they are happy to play over. If you sit off, they are happy to pin you back. And, because of their low-lying fullbacks, they are a unique team to face.