On The Ball

Forward planning the essence to Liverpool 2.0

Luis Diaz (left) in action during the match between FC Porto and Famalicao on Jan 23, 2022. PHOTO: REUTERS
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While most managers build from the back, Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp constructed a formidable team from the front.

He reversed footballing orthodoxy. He had Roberto Firmino, whom he inherited, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in place before he had signed Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Fabinho. His Liverpool could destroy defences long before they had a world-class rearguard themselves.

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