Diogo Jota highlights KEY tactical switch for Liverpool's attacking players under Arne Slot | OneFootball

Although there may not be any new signings at Anfield this summer, that's not to say there haven't been major changes on the pitch under new coach Arne Slot.

Many Liverpool fans will have noticed a new tactical shift during the Reds' Premier League opener against Ipswich Town on Saturday, during which Diogo Jota opened the scoring in a 2-0 win.

The Portuguese forward played as the side's only recognised centre forward, backed up by Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz on the flanks and Dominik Szoboszlai in the number 10 role.

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An ideal role

Speaking to the Liverpool official website after the match, Jota explained the tactical adjustments, noting that Slot’s approach favours his strengths as a central striker.

"If I stay in the middle and wait for those chances to come in and score them, I think that is what I do the best, so you can take that into the season," he said.

Liverpool’s victory was secured in the second half, following a challenging first 45 minutes where Ipswich, newly promoted to the Premier League, pressed aggressively.

Jota described the initial half as "a bit harder," highlighting the home side’s intense man-to-man pressing.

However, the Reds capitalised on increased space in the second half, allowing them to create more opportunities. Mohamed Salah added the second goal shortly after Jota’s opener, sealing the win for Liverpool.

Football - FA Premier League - Ipswich Town FC v Liverpool FC IPSWICH, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 17, 2024: Liverpool s Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the FA Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda IPSWICH Portman Road SUFFOLK ENGLAND PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xDavidxRawcliffex P2024-08-17-Ipswich_Liverpool-81

'A bit different from Klopp'

Certainly, this way of playing is much better suited to allowing Diaz and Salah to get chalk on their boots and terrify full-backs with their blistering pace.

"It’s obviously a bit different from [Jürgen] Klopp where I maybe was useful out wide," Jota added.

"I think here he [Slot] wants our wingers a lot more in one-v-ones and I think we have better options than myself!"

Reflecting on the game, Jota emphasised the importance of starting the season with a win. "It’s massive," he said. "Coming here to a newly promoted team, it’s never easy, and we end up with a clean sheet and three points so I think building on top of the wins is always a lot easier."

Liverpool will look to continue their winning momentum as they prepare for their first home game of the season against Brentford on Sunday.

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