Liverpool Set Piece Analysis 2024/25: Aaron Briggs Corner Tactics

After five rounds in the Premier League, we can say that Liverpool have performed relatively well in the new era under the management of Arne Slot so far; they are currently sitting in second place with 12 points, just one behind Manchester City.

It is still early to judge Liverpool, but thus far, they are progressing steadily.

They possess the best defence in the league, with only one goal conceded in five matches.

Additionally, they have the third-strongest attack in the league, tied with Aston Villa, having scored 10 goals, trailing only Manchester City and Chelsea, with 13 and 11 goals, respectively.

On the European stage, no one forgets Liverpools two goals against AC Milan from set-pieces, raising the question of who the current set-piece coach is for Liverpool.

This inquiry comes especially after Liverpool submitted a request to hire a set-piece coach on LinkedIn in May.

Reports indicated that they decided to put their search on hold after Aaron Briggs, whose original title was First Team Individual Development Coach, successfully took on the role as Vitor Matos’ replacement following his arrival in July.

This tactical analysis will discuss Liverpools new structure under Arne Slots during attacking corners, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages.

It is important to note that it is still early, and there is still enough time for them to develop these strengths and address their weaknesses.

However, overall, they have demonstrated a good capability in attacking corners with various tactics they can build upon.

Virgil Van Dijks Starting Position

In Jürgen Klopps era, Virgil van Dijk used to start in late positions near the penalty spot or even behind it.

They keep using this idea, but they also have a new scheme with some players. Virgil Van Dijk is one of them, behind the zonal line near the goalkeeper, and we will talk about each of them.

Starting with the traditional starting position, it is shown below that the opponent defends with zonal defenders except for a man marker on Virgil van Dijk.

At the same time, Liverpool target Virgil in the black area, so three green attackers spread in front of the zonal defenders to delay the reaction of any of them who decides to go out to the targeted area.

After this delay, the zonal defender even starts to go out late or cant reach Van Dijk, who overcomes his marker at the right moment at the highest jump, as shown below.

The plan works while three