Liverpool supporters are voicing their concerns over Arne Slot’s lineup for today’s match against Arsenal, particularly regarding the absence of a traditional central defensive midfielder (CDM).
Arne Slot has made notable changes from the side that secured a 1-0 victory against Real Betis on July 26. Although Wataru Endo is fit, Curtis Jones has been chosen to play in the holding midfield role, raising questions among fans about the decision to forgo a dedicated CDM.
The lineup maintains much of the squad that played against Betis, with Kelleher retaining his place in goal. The defensive lineup includes Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Sepp van den Berg, and Kostas Tsimikas.
Curtis Jones, who has been deemed fit to start, will play in the midfield alongside Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai in what is expected to be a 4-3-3 formation. Slot’s decision to deploy Jones rather than Endo in the holding role has drawn mixed reactions from fans.
The move to a 4-3-3, made possible by Diogo Jota’s availability, signifies a shift from the 4-4-2 formation used against Betis out of necessity. With Jota leading the attack, Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho will provide support on the wings.
Reactions from Fans:
Many fans on X (formerly Twitter) have taken to social media to express their worries:
Endo dropped as Jota starts up top. That means either Harvey/Szobo will sit next to Jones in the double pivot. Endo doesn’t seem to fit what Slot wants in that position and we’re seeing further evidence of that. Playing Arsenal without a recognized 6 is interesting tho. #LFC pic.twitter.com/m2lIfKnNNL
— Made 4 Liverpool (@same_old_Fritz) July 31, 2024
Endo dropped as Jota starts up top. That means either Harvey/Szobo will sit next to Jones in the double pivot. Endo doesn’t seem to fit what Slot wants in that position and we’re seeing further evidence of that. Playing Arsenal without a recognized 6 is interesting tho. #LFC pic.twitter.com/m2lIfKnNNL
— Made 4 Liverpool (@same_old_Fritz) July 31, 2024
Errrrmmmm who’s going to tackle people in midfield? If this isn’t screaming buy me a 6 I don’t know what is 😂
— DarwinsTheory (@footyfiend1) July 31, 2024
