🔗 Share this article

It appears that the Egyptian star's lack of defensive contributions is emerging as a slight problem for the Merseyside club, especially against stronger opponents.

It's understandable if coach Arne Slot has directed the forward not to track back, because positioning himself advanced on the right flank during transitions has made him one of the global most dangerous goalscorers.

But, the teammates behind him fail to offer adequate cover, creating significant challenges for whoever has been at right-back in recent matches.

Be it Conor Bradley or another player, they end up in trouble due to facing a numerical disadvantage on that flank.

It proved a clear vulnerability in the recent match, leading to the opponent's winning goal – and the concern is that more teams will smartly target this weak spot.

{'Salah Has Freedom to Avoid Defence Work

Primarily, it's hard to believe that the manager is telling Salah to track back and assist his right-back.

If Salah was told to follow Chelsea's left-back Marc Cucurella, then this was extremely evident he did not comply, and Slot would not tolerate that.

Rather, Slot is granting him the liberty to concentrate exclusively on offensive play, which is fine – we've seen numerous instances of different clubs adopting comparable approaches, with individuals who choose to conserve their stamina for attacking actions.

Certainly, there are still certain moments in a game when you are conceding chances and one might take it upon yourself to help out.

It's known he can do it, since during Liverpool triumphed at Manchester City previously, his work rate was outstanding I've seen from him.

However, he likely been instructed to do so on that occasion, which is why I am not criticizing him if he is asked to remain advanced.

'The Real Problem Is How Liverpool Are Structured Behind Salah'

The concern with Salah is more about how the side set up in defensive support, particularly against top opponents.

The other players must provide more and quicker help, because it seemed like Chelsea were moving the ball upfield and then shifting it to their left, since that's where the space existed.

When a Liverpool central player went out belatedly – be it Ryan Gravenberch – then he left openings in central areas ahead of the defence because they were missing a player from the midfield.

All this becomes less critical when facing opponents that you dominate possession against – as we've seen their past league wins using such tactics – but they need to tighten up as the top sides will take advantage.

'Liverpool Have Lost Control of Games'

It is not as if he has altered his role recently, but because he is failing to find the net at the other end, perhaps the defensive side of his game is more noticeable.

I am not too concerned about his form, because he will return to form – history shows – in terms of his finishing.

He found great positions against their opponents but perhaps took a chance when he should have passed, and the opposite, but those chances will keep coming and the goals will come.

My main worry with the team at the moment is their reduced control in matches compared to last season.

This has been a frustrating week for them, of course, not only to lose multiple games in a row in the Premier League and Champions League but as the display standards have not been expectations.

There are extenuating circumstances, of course, with the numerous squad adjustments in the summer and the several of players who missed pre-season, but previously Slot's side seemed very good at controlling matches and that is no longer the case.

It seemed like their defensive shape was sound, and his more ball-retention style brought greater command.

This was an aspect that people immediately saw he had added to the team, compared to what it was like under previous management.

Currently, though, observing them and it appears somewhat disorganized. The final 30 minutes of the recent match was hectic it felt like a cup tie – they had chances to win it, but gave away several chances too, which is why they ended up losing.

{How Can The Manager Address Liverpool Issues?

We can identify a few aspects that are not right about the club, and I keep seeing them losing possession, but I don't see an unresolvable situation.

Even though Liverpool have some new players – and varied profiles too – they don't need to alter their approach. They just need to return to being a bit more patient and composed.

The positive aspect is they are just one point behind table-toppers the front-runners and have time to fix the issues that are underperforming.

The physical aspect they are missing will improve because the individuals who missed a full pre-season, like key attackers and full-backs, will reach peak fitness soon.

Developing proper understanding on the pitch requires time too, whether it be between the defender and the forward or additional key combinations.

So, there is no reason to overreact. It seems like currently in the Premier League, and not only with Liverpool but with every side, you are a single match away from 'catastrophe' and criticism.

The reality is what has happened to them recently will probably happen at some stage to other contenders and rivals as well.

I had not actually thought City would be in the title race, but if their star striker stays motivated and healthy they will be in contention.

Arsenal, defensively, look excellent again and, overall, after seven games they seem very assured in their performances across the pitch – it seems a continuation of their previous form, with an extra layer of talent and depth.

With Liverpool it feels like more of a transition at present. But while there is still work to do for them to find the optimal equilibrium and partnerships, I think all is anticipating them to progress as the season advances.