King Kenny's 3-6-1 Liverpool Formation: A Tactical Analysis

Since Kenny Dalglish took over, the burning question on many soccer panels lips was "Is he too long out of the game?" I think that questions has been answered by Liverpool's overturn in fortunes and even amongst Liverpool fans who believe that Liverpool can still finish fourth. A big part of the success of Dalglish has been his unorthodox 3-6-1 formation.

In the following article, I will outline the reason it seems to be working so well for the current personnel at Liverpool and can it be, a future formation for Dalglish to continue with.

3-6-1 

Users

Australia WC 2006, South Korea WC 2002, USA WC 98, German Clubs 

Strengths

Compact but also provides width, can be used attacking and defensively, offside trap works more effectively with three defenders rather than four therefore cutting individual mistakes out, two midfielders can roam freely to find space, opposition players find it hard to track whose attacking, can dominate possession in midfield 

Weakness

Clogs Midfield, striker can become isolated, requires a lot of fitness, opponents can play three strikers against it, long ball tactics can be effective in countering it.

The 3-6-1 is what I like to call a freedom tactic. It can be used both attacking and defensively. Another example of the freedom tactic is the 4-3-3; used so well by Barcelona as an attacking team whilst Mourinho's Chelsea used it so effectively as a defensive tactic. 

The 3-6-1 is all about the midfield, if, like Dalglish, the team uses it as a means to control the game with possession and short passes. The midfield is responsible for both attacking and defensive phrases of play.  This section requires high amounts of work rate, fitness and game intelligence. It probably shows why Kenny substitutes at least one midfielder a game.  In the recent draw at Wigan, Dalglish said the team were lacking that bite because of Wednesday's internationals. That argument is very true as this formation requires players to be in tip top condition.

Defense

The three-man defence is also an important section of this formation. With Liverpool's personnel, you have Agger, Carragher and Skrtel. Agger, a ball-playing defender, is very important to the building from the back philosophy of the formation. He is responsible for bringing the ball out of the defense and starting Liverpool's attack. Agger almost is like an extra defensive midfielder beside Lucas.

Carragher and Skrtel are responsible for the clearing up of danger and the general sweeping of danger. Carragher, with his organisational skills and leadership, is quite important to keeping the other two defenders on their toes and making sure they are all in sync.

Wing Backs

The wing backs are the sole providers of width in the formation although Maxi and Kuyt tend to tuck out to provide help, Johnson and Kelly have a massive task in both attacking and defense phases of play, but more so the attacking phase. Their duties include having to track opposing wingers and also provide support to the lone striker and midfield. This makes Kelly's recent performances all the more impressive. 

Midfield

The main numbers are in the center of midfield, but with Dalglish giving his midfield license to roam, it provides a perfect platform to both Gerrard and Meireles to roam into space and use their creative talents higher up the field while Lucas holds the fort. Lucas' performances have also improved as the passing game that Dalglish has implemented is a tactic that suits Lucas type of play.

The most noteworthy performer in midfield has been Raul. He has a high work rate, fitness and intelligence to find pockets of space. He is disciplined enough not to run around like a headless chicken, but has an uncanny ability to been in the box at the right time. He isn't afraid to track back and get in the opposing player's face.

Attacking

The main weakness of the formation is the lone striker (Kuyt). For it to be successful you need a complete striker which not many clubs have.  Coincidentally, Torres would have liked this formation, but Kuyt is an adequate replacement. He has high stamina, work rate and intelligence. Kuyt shifts right to receive the ball and provide link up with Gerrard and Kelly. He also provides an aerial threat. 

3-6-1 Future?

I think we have not seen the last of the formation under Kenny this season. It could very well be a formation that is used with Carroll and Suarez, and I can see it be used in away games where we are better then the home team.

Unfortunately, until the summer we can only speculate on what Dalglish's long-term plans are for the formation. This formation does not accommodate wingers very well, so if Liverpool are in for wingers this summer, then I expect it won't be Dalglish's formation of choice. 

Dalglish has shown a high level of tactical knowledge by creating a formation that masks the weakness of his team personnel and puts their strengths to use. Rafa liked hard-working and fitness-based players with a little creative guile in attacking positions. This formation is perfectly suited to that belief while with Liverpool's lack of wingers still provides width when needed.