Early pre-season signs suggest subtle shifts with big FPL implications – notably with full-backs taking on new responsibilities and Florian Wirtz impressing in an advanced role. Here’s a breakdown of the some of things I have noticed in pre-season so far, and the key takeaways for FPL managers ahead of Gameweek 1.

The System

While the personnel may be different, I don’t expect Arne Slot’s Liverpool to look too dissimilar tactically heading into the new season. We’ll still see the familiar 4-3-3 formation, with new signing Florian Wirtz likely to operate as the most advanced of the midfield trio.

In the friendly against Yokohama, Liverpool began with what I believe will be the starting XI for the opening game against Bournemouth (with the exception of Alisson). Here’s how they lined up:

In possession, the shape morphed into more of a 3-3-4. Milos Kerkez tucked in to become the left-sided centre-back, while Conor Bradley took up an aggressive right central midfield role.

Wirtz pushed forward, getting close to Ekitike up front, while Salah and Gakpo held the width. Their presence dragged Yokohama’s full-backs wide, stretching the backline and opening up pockets for Bradley to make clever underlapping runs into the space between centre-back and full-back.

Szoboszlai and Gravenberch completed the midfield three, with Gravenberch typically staying central and slightly deeper, while Szoboszlai and Bradley operated either side of him.

So, what does this mean for FPL?

1. The Full-Backs

Despite the attacking profiles of Kerkez and Frimpong, the early signs suggest we won’t be seeing the same aggressive, overlapping full-backs we became accustomed to under Klopp. Kerkez has offered very little going forward in pre-season, instead spending most of Liverpool’s time in possession as a third centre-back.

Before FPL launched, Kerkez was the Liverpool defender I was most excited about. Then prices were released, and Van Dijk quickly became the standout pick. Based on pre-season, Kerkez’s remains a less appealing option than his equally priced skipper. While he’ll surely get forward occasionally, I am not expecting Robertson-level assist numbers from him.

On the right side, there is definite attacking potential. Conor Bradley got into some excellent positions -at times almost playing as a right-sided forward – linking up well with Salah and getting in behind multiple times. When Frimpong came on, he occupied similar positions and assisted Liverpool’s second goal with a beautiful cross. Notably, his delivery came from an inverted position (near the edge of the area) rather than from a traditional wide area where you’d maybe expect to find someone of Frimpong’s profile.

I expect Bradley to start the season as the first-choice right-back, but I wouldn’t be confident enough in that decision to invest in him for FPL. In my opinion, Virgil van Dijk is a far safer and better pick than any of the defenders, especially with the added attraction of Defensive Contribution points.

2. Florian Wirtz

Wirtz looks like an absolutely top-tier footballer. You’d hope so for £116m, but even so, he looks like he could be sensational for Liverpool.

From an FPL standpoint, he looks like outstanding value at £8.5m. Against Yokohama, he played as the most attacking midfielder and spent plenty of time around the edge of the penalty area – exactly where you want him. He was dynamic in transition, driving attacks from deep and linking well with the wide players. His goal came from a classic cut-back to the edge of the box, and I expect to see him arriving in those areas regularly throughout the season.

As others have noted, Wirtz has been taking corners from both sides in pre-season and has been seen doing so in training. I expect him to be Liverpool’s primary corner taker, offering another route to assists. He didn’t take any free-kicks against Yokohama, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he eventually takes over that responsibility too – with only Alexis Mac Allister a realistic rival for those duties now that Trent has left.

I expect a minimum of 25 combined goals and assists from Wirtz this season in the Premier League. At £8.5m, that’s exceptional value. The tough couple of fixtures in the first three do give managers a chance to have a look for themselves, but I expect him to be very popular from the start.

3. Mohamed Salah

Salah’s role hasn’t changed much from last season. While he may not hit quite the same (record-breaking) output, I don’t think the difference will be dramatic. Against Yokohama, he created four big chances and, while he wasn’t hugely threatening in front of goal himself, the idea that his FPL value will decline because of new signings seems wide of the mark to me.

Expect a similar Salah to last year – but with better teammates to link up with and perhaps less defensive attention now that Liverpool have more attacking threats. I also don’t see any scenario in which he gives up penalties, even if the club signs an unnamed Swedish striker.

He remains the best asset in the game and is as goo as locked into my Gameweek 1 team.

There are a few other interesting tactical tweaks and squad developments from pre-season that are worth noting for FPL:

Set Pieces:

Liverpool are clearly placing greater emphasis on set-pieces, following the blueprint laid out by Arsenal last season. Wirtz is taking corners, and there have been rehearsed routines in training and matches. Even more interestingly, Liverpool have started experimenting with long throw-ins.

Gravenberch (who has been pretty dreadful at them so far) has been tasked with launching throws into the box whenever possible. While none of these have come to much yet, it’s clear this is a tactic Slot wants to develop. Both Van Dijk and Konaté have been pushing forward for them, which could increase their attacking return potential if it clicks.

Cody Gakpo:

With Luis Díaz departing, Cody Gakpo is now Liverpool’s only recognised senior left winger. However, 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha has impressed in pre-season and has been training with the first team since earlier this year. He’s seen internally as a future star and I think he may have a role to play off the bench this season, but I don’t expect him to start many Premier League games. Unless a new left winger joins the Reds, that makes Gakpo pretty nailed on to start on the left, and at £7.5m, he could offer excellent value.

The game against Yokohama FM was the first time Liverpool have lined up with an XI that I think we can realistically see this season, so it is early to know for sure how it will all shape up. A lot can change between now and GW1, with Liverpool playing two pre-season friendlies against Athletic Bilbao on Monday, before placing Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on the 9th August.

And, who knows, maybe it will be someone who isn’t currently at Liverpool that will be leading the line at Anfield in two weeks time..