Davis: “Mac Allister’s Control and Bradley’s Defending Key for Liverpool” | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Manchester City: Key Stats and Insights Ahead of the Big Clash

Liverpool’s Tactical Shift and Key Players’ Stats

The excitement is palpable as Liverpool gears up for a major showdown with Manchester City at Anfield. After dominating Real Madrid in a memorable Champions League encounter, Liverpool now faces a crucial test against Pep Guardiola’s side, whose form has been under scrutiny recently.

In the latest episode of Stat Pack on Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Dr. Phil Barter delved into the tactical intricacies, key player performances, and emerging stats that will shape the upcoming clash. Here’s a breakdown of the key talking points.

Mac Allister’s Influence in Liverpool’s System

One of the standout performers in recent weeks has been Alexis Mac Allister, whose impact on the field has been nothing short of exceptional. As Dr. Barter highlights, “Mac Allister doesn’t take set plays, but he created 28% of our expected possession value (EPV) on the night.” His pass success rate was also a noteworthy 91%, with almost 10% of Liverpool’s total possession running through him.

Mac Allister’s ability to dictate play from the middle of the park and his key contributions, particularly in controlling the tempo, were essential for Liverpool’s success in the Champions League.

Davis adds, “Without Mac Allister ticking the ball over as he normally does, and threatening those passes through, we wouldn’t have got the result against Real Madrid.” His vision and control in the midfield make him indispensable to Liverpool, as his seamless distribution links defensive stability with attacking flow. Mac Allister’s role has evolved into a pivotal one, balancing both defensive duties and creative output.

Photo: IMAGO

Conor Bradley’s Rising Star Performance

Another key player highlighted in the Stat Pack podcast was Conor Bradley, whose performance against Real Madrid earned him well-deserved praise. Barter remarks, “Conor had an amazing game. He was up against Kylian Mbappé, one of the top five players in the world, and he matched his pace.”

Bradley’s ability to keep up with Mbappé’s blistering speed, while also contributing offensively, was a remarkable feat. With a recorded top speed of 35 km/h, Bradley was vital in limiting the Frenchman’s effectiveness and ensuring Liverpool’s defensive resilience.

Davis noted Bradley’s importance in the second half, stating, “Bradley occupied the centre-back, allowing Mo Salah to get free.” His run and subsequent assist for Alexis Mac Allister’s opener in the second half showcased his maturity, with Davis pointing out that, “Conor helped create 6% of our threat on the night.”

Liverpool’s Tactical Adjustments

As both analysts discussed, Liverpool’s second-half resurgence against Real Madrid was marked by tactical shifts that better utilised the spaces on the pitch. Dr. Barter explained how the team shifted their attacking focus: “In the second half, we started to increase our threat in the half-spaces.” This adjustment, where Liverpool moved the ball into the central areas and then out wide, caught Real Madrid off-guard and allowed them to carve out more opportunities.

Photo IMAGO

Barter further explained, “We forced Kamavinga to do a lot of tracking, and Modric, the oldest player on the pitch, had to follow suit.” This tactical shift allowed Liverpool to pressurise Real Madrid’s ageing midfield, with the Reds’ dynamic movement leading to multiple chances, including Mac Allister’s eventual goal.

City’s Vulnerabilities and Liverpool’s Counter Play

Looking ahead to Manchester City, Davis highlighted concerns over City’s defensive vulnerabilities: “City have been conceding high amounts of XG and big chances recently. Against Southampton, they conceded 2.6 XG.” Liverpool’s ability to exploit these weaknesses will be key in the upcoming fixture. With a forward line brimming with pace and creativity, Liverpool will be looking to capitalise on City’s defensive lapses, particularly in wide areas.

Dr. Barter echoed similar thoughts, saying, “If we go there with our intense three, I think we’ll get a performance we need.” Liverpool’s pressing and high-intensity play could prove crucial in outworking City’s midfield, especially as they have struggled to maintain high pressing levels in recent games.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s comprehensive tactics, combined with standout individual performances from Mac Allister, Bradley, and the defensive unit, make them formidable opponents going into their next match. The tactical adjustments discussed in the podcast will be vital as they face Manchester City, a team currently showing weaknesses in their defensive structure. With momentum on their side, Liverpool’s chances of success in both the Premier League and Champions League remain high.