Liverpool have started the 2026-27 WSL season with a clear sense of purpose. The contrast with the opening weeks of last season is striking, but the improvement is not the result of Gareth Taylor suddenly adopting a new philosophy.
The Liverpool manager has always wanted his teams to dominate possession, build from the back and play on the front foot. And, after four league games, Liverpool have already shown they can be proactive against different types of opposition. They have the sixth-highest possession, averaging 59.5% per game, despite already facing Spurs and Manchester City.
However, the most noticeable difference from last season doesn’t come when Liverpool are on the ball.
A familiar idea, executed with greater clarity
Liverpool’s structure in possession often starts from a 4-2-3-1, but the shape becomes considerably more fluid once they begin building. One of the most common mechanisms is for Fuka Nagano to drop between the two centre-backs, creating a situational back three and allowing the full-backs and wide players to adopt more advanced positions.
When they rotate this way, the other defensive midfielder, in this case Kirsty Maclean, must unmark laterally to aid circulation.
Sam Kerr is used at right-back, a role well-suited to her background as a midfielder and her ability to contribute to the first phase of possession, as she sometimes forms a back three with the centre-backs as well.
On the opposite side, Alejandra Bernabé can push up as a more standard fullback, while the right winger provides width during the initial build-up.
