One win in six -what is going wrong at stumbling Liverpool?

"Many of Liverpool's problems this season stem from how they build from the back. As a result of Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid in the summer and goalkeeper Alisson Becker's injury six weeks ago, Liverpool's backline is playing differently. Giorgi Mamardashvili has replaced the injured Alisson in goal and a subtle detail contributing to Liverpool's form comes from the fact the keepers have different strong feet. Mamardashvili is left-footed, which means he plays certain passes Alisson wouldn't."

"This alters the dynamics Liverpool have been used to with the right-footed duo of Alisson and their previous deputy Caoimhin Kelleher. Image source, Opta Keepers are able to play short passes more quickly when passing across their body. Opening up their body and playing to the far side generally takes longer. For Alisson, this would funnel play towards Virgil van Dijk, the stronger ball-playing centre-back. Mamardashvili's left foot ushers the ball more naturally to the right side now occupied by Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley."

"For the majority of this season, Liverpool have opted to build up short and have struggled to do so, particularly down their right. Teams have made things harder for Liverpool by pressing in a manner that cuts off the left side of the pitch, again forcing Liverpool down their right. Opponents have put attackers on Van Dijk in order to minimise his on-ball influence as well."

Liverpool's build-up from the back has been disrupted by personnel changes: Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure and Alisson Becker's injury have altered passing patterns. Giorgi Mamardashvili's left-footed distribution leads to different ball progression than the previous right-footed goalkeepers. Goalkeeper footedness funnels play toward different centre-backs, shifting many sequences toward Ibrahima Konate and the right flank. Opponents press to cut off the left side and place attackers on Virgil van Dijk to limit his on-ball influence. Liverpool have opted to build short but have struggled, particularly down the right, reducing their ability to break pressing and harming results. These tactical shifts help explain poor league form despite heavy summer investment.

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