Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes Victor Boniface's surprising role on the left flank caused his side some problems in UEFA Champions League action on Tuesday night.
The Nigeria international, who has been Die Werkself's trusted centre-forward since joining the club, was deployed in an unfamiliar role on the left flank of the German side's attack by head coach Xabi Alonso.
According to Slot, this tactical shift intensified Leverkusen's midfield overload, making it more difficult for his team to press effectively.
However, this tactical shift limited Boniface's influence on the game. The 23-year-old registered the first attempt of the match in the second minute, but his shot sailed wide of the target.
He was also unable to capitalise on a chance to open the scoring midway through the first half, with another effort that drifted wide.
Slot reflects on Boniface's new role and its impact on Leverkusen's strategy
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Slot reflected on the tactical shift that saw Boniface, typically deployed as Leverkusen's centre-forward, take on a more unconventional role on the left flank.
“Like many times now, managers change their game plan when they come to Anfield or when they play us – that's also what we saw today,” Slot said.
“We’ve seen a lot of games from Leverkusen, but I’ve never seen Boniface playing from the left. They played without a traditional number nine, which is why they overloaded the midfield.
“It was quite difficult to press them high, but the good thing was that we hardly conceded anything. I think, during the first half, if there were chances, they were for us.”
In the match, Boniface registered three shots off target, made 30 touches, won two of five ground duels, one of four aerial duels, and was dispossessed 10 times.
Alonso substituted Boniface in the 81st minute, bringing on Patrik Schick in his place.
