Liverpool, Goals from Opposition Corners, and Arne Slot

Competitive football teams generally score more goals, more often than their opponents. Because goal margins in this sport are largely small, these teams often find their edge producing goals from a wide range of situations (non-exhaustive list):

• Pressing and Counter-pressing
• Dead-balls
• Counter-attacks
• Buildup

In Liverpool, though, we see how elite teams capture unconventional edges, not mentioned above, to break the game open and establish their superiority. Here is a goal from their recent game against Brentford, a team notorious for being meticulous at set-pieces:

My thoughts:

My cursorily assumption is that not many, if any, elite, European team scores as many goals off opposition corners as Liverpool do. To my approximation, they seem to score, at least, a couple of these every season.

Which begs the question, why are they so proficient in these situation?

First, a snapshot of the setup.

• Many players with above-average prowess in aerial contests in the deepest defensive line — allowing them to forgo having all the shorter players as blockers.
  • Allison (193cm), Konate (195cm), Van Dijk (195cm), Gravenberch (190cm), Szoboszlai (186cm)
• A couple of forwards with the bravery to always commit to, not necessarily win, the high-risk duels and 2nd balls that result from initial clearance.
  • The entire Liverpool frontline in this instance is known for exhibiting this trait: Salah, Jota, Diaz.
• A couple of forwards, preferably the same as above, who are comfortable running and carrying the ball across the length of the pitch.
  • Again, the entire Liverpool frontline in this instance is known for exhibiting this trait: Salah, Jota, and Diaz.
• At least a couple of players, stationed at the edge of the box, without man-marking duties.
  • In this case, Salah and Diaz.

As lethal as it is, this goal is not one that other teams can spontaneously plan to replicate. The XI, and the tendencies of the profiles in them, determines which kinds of goals are possible and repeatable.

In another game in the same week as Liverpool's, here is a similar situation with Manchester United's Antony – who often skirts from or struggles with tougher duels:

By contrast, here is another instance with Manchester United's Amad Diallo in a similar position at the edge of the box – about whom we've previously written, 'shows a propensity to engage aggressively in challenges, often attempting to poke the ball away.' Ironically, this plays out against Liverpool.

The point is clear.

On Liverpool's Arne Slot:

In my essay, What Should We Expect from Head Coaches?, I argue that trust is essential trait to platform athletes.

Trust isn't just about believing in a player's ability; it's about nurturing a relationship where the player feels valued and understood, thereby unlocking their potential to excel both on and off the pitch.

Trust manifests in various, often indescribable, ways. Yet, having a strong command of rhetoric and clear oration are two strong indicators that a coach can express trust and earn the buy-in from their players: during half-time team talks, press conferences, training, and in private conversations.

Now, I am by no means an expert in rhetoric and speech – but I feel confident expressing my own reaction to them.

In his post-match interview and other recordings on the web, I have found Slot to be a meticulous orator. Besides his soothing cadence, his responses manage to capture my whole attention.

Listen to this segment after the same Brentford game:

Halftime. 2-0 down. Crowd on your neck. You’re the next sub.

This is the kind of coach you want at your ear before running onto the pitch.

What Next?

If you enjoyed this, consider subscribing to BallerzBantz, following us on Twitter, and sharing this with someone. We publishing one bite-sized analysis + solution daily. By subscribing, you will receive a synopsis each week.

Join us to stay ahead and contribute to this burgeoning community.