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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Charlotte Coates

Martin Keown impressed by tactic 'nobody does better' than Liverpool

Liverpool are experts at using a high line to stop opponents from scoring.

The Reds have caught their opposition offside 101 times this season - that is 40 times more than Manchester City, who are in second place where offsides are concerned.

Liverpool's front three - whoever that may be on the day - work incredibly hard with their press as they put defender's under immense pressure when they have hold of the ball.

A high defensive line takes bravery as former Arsenal defender Martin Keown pointed out in his latest article for Mail Online.

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This tactic isn't fool proof, however, and it probably wouldn't work without Van Dijk 's blistering pace and Alisson Becker 's ability to rush from his goal and make a clearance.

But, Jurgen Klopp knows he has the players at his disposal to use this highly successful tactic against the best teams Europe has to offer.

In Liverpool 's Premier League win against Burnley last weekend, the home side were a fine example of a side who fell victim to the offside trap used by the Reds.

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"No one does it better than Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. They have caught opponents offside 101 times this season, the next most being Manchester City on 61," Keown said.

"Liverpool’s front three work incredibly hard in their high press. They put immense pressure on their opponents, who are petrified of someone as lethal as Mo Salah taking it off them close to their own box.

"Their midfield three squeezes up with them, and so does the defensive line. Watch Virgil van Dijk and you’ll see him forever directing the back line, telling everyone exactly where he wants them.

"If a ball over the top is played, they will tend to hold their position. It takes bravery. But if you trust each other, there are so many benefits to this system."

He added: "It’s no coincidence that the two best teams in the Premier League are winning the most offsides. At Anfield, there’s an electricity when Liverpool’s players do their thing.

"The crowd are with them in their press, giving them energy, and it’s all linked to emotion.

"Opponents can continue to try to catch Liverpool out with those balls in behind but Van Dijk and Co will be waiting for them with their offside trap."

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