Tactical Briefing: Southampton vs Liverpool

The Saints host a high-flying Liverpool on Saturday evening, in what promises to be the match of weekend.

Southampton have surpassed expectations and are sitting pretty at ninth, nine points above West Ham at 10th and just a point behind Newcastle at eighth. So what is it that makes them tick? To put it in one word– discipline. The work ethic of the team is remarkable and they press very well, making it difficult for opponents to score. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has built a solid side by incorporated this style of football and the Saints have thrived under his tactics.

The problem with Southampton last season was their defense, they were always good going forward and attacking, but struggled at the back. This season, they look more organized as a team. The players have an excellent work rate and everyone is helping out with the defending. They retain their composure when they don’t have the ball and quickly close down the opposition to win back possession.

Southampton’s midfielders combine very well and they move the ball around nicely. Steven Davies likes to drop deep in midfield, almost playing as the third central midfielder. Jay Rodriguez cuts in from the left and plays as a second striker, Lallana plays the role of an attacking midfielder and Rickie Lambert is the target man. While Jay Rodriguez is fast becoming a sensation in the South coast, Lallana and Lambert remain pivotal to Southampton’s plans.

Scoring goals is clearly not a problem for Liverpool, who have now hit 70 goals in the league this season. Their front line is dynamic; their attacking players cause havoc by frequently swapping positions. These attacking players are on the same wave length and are aware of their teammates’ positions, allowing them to make killer passes to rip teams apart. It is effectively four forward players, with all of them comfortable playing out wide or through the middle. It is this dynamic nature of their front line that makes them so deadly.

The top two goal scorers in the league are both Liverpool strikers. Suarez and Sturridge a.k.a SAS have formed a lethal partnership, again it is their movement off the ball that allows them to create so many chances. They have scored forty goals between them in the league, in spite of Sturridge missing a chunk of games due to injury. Suarez- 22 goals and 17 assists, Sturridge- 18 goals and 6 assists, speaks for itself.

Liverpool’s central midfielders play an integral part in their game. Steven Gerrard uses all his years of experience to sit deep and play the role of a pivot while Jordan Henderson has been a revelation this season playing a box to box role. They can be a little exposed at times since they dont have a strong physical presence in midfield, but they back themselves to keep possession and distribute the ball effectively.

Brendan Rodgers is a strong believer of his footballing philosophy. Not only is he tactically brilliant, he is also a mentor figure for his players. He is transforming an under-achieving Liverpool into a champion team that plays the best football in the league. The future is looking bright for the Reds and slowly but surely, Liverpool will return to the top. “I’ve always said that you can live without water for many days, but you can’t live for a second without hope.” -Brendan Rodgers

Southampton’s discipline versus Liverpool’s dynamism, it is going to be an enthralling contest at the St.Mary’s.