Liverpool's season has been marked by a series of challenges, and the latest hurdle they must overcome is the absence of Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker, who made a £125m move from Newcastle in the summer, has been ruled out for a couple of months with a long injury, leaving manager Arne Slot to ponder how to fill the void.
Isak's impact on the team was only just beginning to be felt, with his goal against Tottenham on Saturday showcasing his movement and finishing ability. Slot acknowledged that it took months for Isak to reach the top of his game, and his injury is a significant blow to the team. "You need to be at the top of the game to impact a game. And it took months before we could bring him up. We always knew it would take him time. And that's why it's so unlucky that he's now injured," Slot said.
With Isak out of contention and Mohamed Salah away on duty at the African Cup of Nations, Slot may be forced into a tactical restructure to deal with the Swede's absence. The manager has already tweaked his system in recent weeks, resulting in a six-game unbeaten run. The introduction of a midfield diamond has brought a level of control and defensive solidity to the team, while also allowing both Isak and Hugo Ekitike to play together.
One possible solution is to recall Harvey Elliott from his loan spell at Aston Villa. However, Slot seemed hesitant to consider this option, stating that Elliott is an Aston Villa player and is supposed to be there for a year. "If the question is about him then the best thing to ask is at Villa, who are doing quite well by the way," Slot said.
Another option is to bring in a new attacker in January. However, expensive solutions to short-term problems are not part of Liverpool's club model, so it remains to be seen whether they will make a move for a new striker. Ekitike, who has already adapted to the Premier League and has scored eight league goals this season, may be tasked with shouldering more of the attacking burden in Isak's absence.
Liverpool's fullbacks, who struggled with progressing play from deep, now find themselves higher up the pitch with more capable ball-playing midfielders taking up that responsibility. The many bodies centrally ensure that if the ball is lost, opponents are less able to counter-attack down the middle, a weakness Liverpool struggled with at the start of this season.
The midfield diamond system has been a key factor in Liverpool's improved form, with the team looking more solid and controlled. The use of extra midfielders in place of natural wingers has allowed the team to dominate possession and reduce the risk of counter-attacks. However, the system is not without its flaws, and Liverpool often struggle to create clear chances despite having good possession.
As Liverpool navigate the challenges of Isak's absence, they will need to find a way to balance their desire to control possession with the need to create clear chances. With the January transfer window approaching, it will be interesting to see whether the club chooses to bring in a new attacker or relies on the players already at their disposal. One thing is certain, however: Slot's tactical acumen will be put to the test as he seeks to find a solution to the problem of Isak's absence.
The road ahead will be challenging for Liverpool, but the team has shown resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. With Ekitike and other players stepping up to fill the void left by Isak, the team will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run and push for a top-four finish. As the season enters its crucial phase, Liverpool's ability to cope without Isak will be a key factor in determining their success.
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
