Liverpool faced Manchester City in the semi-final of the FA Cup last season, winning by three goals to two. The second goal scored by the Reds in particular offered an insight into the importance of a capable ball-playing goalkeeper, especially when facing opponents who are willing to press.
On the 16th minute, John Stones had possession of the ball on the edge of his own defensive third. He attracted attention from Jurgen Klopp's attackers and passed the ball backwards to Zack Steffen, who was playing in place of Ederson.
Unlike the Brazilian goalkeeper, Steffen isn't completely at ease with the ball at his feet. The American controlled Stones' pass but took too long to release possession, allowing Sadio Mane to tackle him while scoring a goal in the process.
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It was a humiliating moment for Pep Guardiola's men, but one which truly captured the value of Ederson when it comes to building moves from the back and through the thirds of the pitch.
This weekend, Liverpool will face City for the first time since that match in April, and the roles could reverse this time around unless Klopp makes one or two tactical tweaks.
The German's first-choice option between the sticks - Alisson Becker - is still stepping up his training, and is set to miss the Charity Shield bout on Saturday afternoon. His support act, Caoimhin Kelleher, will also be absent due to injury.
As a consequence, Adrian looks destined to start for the Reds. The Spaniard is not as accustomed to starting passing moves from the back as Alisson or Kelleher, and City could use that to their advantage by pressing high, just as Liverpool did in last year's FA Cup clash.
On several occasions throughout his time at Anfield, Adrian has shown to be hesitant in certain moments, especially when under pressure. If he's expected to perform to Alisson's level does against City, Klopp's outfit could encounter issues.
To navigate the dilemma, Liverpool might have to be more direct when it comes to building moves from the back, purely in order to prevent Adrian from being closed down and making costly mistakes like Steffen's at Wembley.
On top of adjusting how they construct passing moves from the back, the Reds might also have to consider dropping their defensive line more often depending on the scenario at hand.
Now 35 years-old, Adrian isn't as mobile as he once was, meaning he's not particularly suited to operating as a sweeper keeper far from his own goal, managing wide open spaces. Liverpool's high defensive line could be more vulnerable to through balls or lofted passes over the top than normal on Saturday.
To guard against those dangers, Klopp could consider instructing his defenders to drop at times as a means of minimising the space that Adrian has to cover outside of his penalty box, rather than religiously employing his customary offside trap for the full 90 minutes.
Football is a team game, but adjusting to the strengths and weaknesses of your players is essential if they are to prosper. Darwin Nunez is a different type of striker to Roberto Firmino, so Liverpool must adjust for him, and the same can be said for Alisson and Adrian.
The Charity Shield isn't supposed to be a competitive affair but if Klopp wants to start the campaign with a win over his rivals, he must protect his goalkeeper.
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