Why Klopp must deploy 4-4-2 as permanent formation

Liverpool manager is known for his 4-3-2-1 formation since the start of the season but it hasn’t been effective enough.

Last season’s top striker Mohammed Salah hasn’t been wonderful in a 4-3-2-1 formation as he seems uncomfortable being the only striker upfront.

The Egyptian is a great player who can score goals aplenty but he must be seen in a position where he can easily get the goals.

Firmino, who is gradually getting his mojo back, will surely benefit from a change in formation as he would be made to partner the former Chelsea forward.

The Brazilian hasn’t hit the ground running so far this season, though, he showed great commitment towards seeing himself return to his best form in Wednesday’s clash with Burnley.

He scored a brilliant goal with his first touch but it’s obvious he could do better as the season progresses.

Partnering Salah upfront offers him a better chance of getting goals in subsequent games as the Egyptian will make many assists for him to score.

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Mane could equally be deployed as Salah’s partner. The Senegalese star is a wonderful player with the ball at his feet. His eye for goal is another trait which makes him a perfect man to be at the front alongside Salah.

Both players have great understanding and that is a plus to the manager and indeed, the team at large.

Though he can be selfish sometimes, Mane will surely make many assists for his African brother while Salah will also return the favour as we’ve seen in recent months.

In 4-4-2 formation, there will be a good number of midfielders at the middle and that’s going to prevent opponents from getting the chance to penetrate the back.

An in-form Naby Keita should be pushed to the attacking midfield position so as to create many goalscoring chances just like he did against Burnley in the week.

The Guinean can equally add more shield to the back four as he’s often seen throughout their 3-1 comeback win against the Clarets.
A 4-4-2 also gives Klopp the opportunity to squeeze in Xherdan Shaqiri who has been nothing but brilliant since last month.

The former Stoke City star was made to work hard before gaining Klopp’s trust. He started most of Liverpool’s Premier League games in November and was awesome.

However, Keita’s display against Burnley might be very dangerous to the Swiss’ game-time at the middle of the park. Klopp’s might want to give the former RB Leipzig star a benefit of doubt by starting him once again when they face Bournemouth later today.

A 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 formation will see both players on the pitch from the start, except if Klopp decides to do otherwise.

For Liverpool to enjoy a high goalscoring season, Klopp might need to change his tactical approach by starting two strikers upfront