3. Defensive stability resembling Liverpool
The most frequently played back five this season consists of Mendy, Reece James, Silva, Kurt Zouma and Chilwell. This back line has a very uncanny resemblance to Liverpool’s defense in terms of its characteristics, and also slightly in terms of tactics.
James has been a mirror image of Trent Alexander-Arnold in how he’s been able to ping crosses into the box. James has always been a better defender than Alexander-Arnold, but his attacking play has improved leaps and bounds from last season. His game has warranted talk of him being the best right back in the league this season, and for good reason. The 20-year-old’s crossing ability is quite different from Alexander-Arnold in how he strikes the ball though. James almost caresses the ball into the box and has been unfortunate to not rack up more assists thus far.
Silva, whose strengths are noted above, bears a notable resemblance to Virgil van Dijk in terms of his impact on the defense. They both bring the sense of calmness and improve communication. Zouma has been an asset at both ends of the pitch, defending solidly and giving an attacking threat on set pieces. His pace has complemented Silva’s positional play very well and his heading ability is a huge positive.
Chilwell’s left foot has been a great attacking asset, similar to Andy Robertson at Anfield. Whenever a back four was played last season, club captain Cesar Azpilicueta was used as a makeshift left back, which made attacking down the left very clunky. This was due to Azpilicueta’s obvious strength on his right foot. Chilwell has combined well with Mason Mount and Timo Werner as he overlaps pretty well on that side, which mirrors to Robertson’s playmaking ability for the Reds.