🔗 Share this article

It appears that the Egyptian star's limited defensive work is emerging as a slight problem for the Merseyside club, especially when facing stronger opponents.

It's understandable if coach the Liverpool boss has instructed Salah to avoid defensive duties, since positioning himself advanced on the right flank during transitions has made him one of the global deadliest strikers.

However, the teammates behind him fail to offer sufficient defensive support, creating significant issues for whoever is playing at right-back in recent matches.

Be it Jeremie Frimpong or Dominik Szoboszlai, they end up in trouble due to facing a 2v1 overload on that flank.

It proved a noticeable weakness on Saturday, leading to the opponent's winning goal – and the worry is that other sides will smartly exploit this same area.

{'Salah Is Given Freedom to Skip Defence Work

Primarily, I doubt that the manager is instructing Salah to track back and support his defender.

Should Salah had been instructed to follow the opposition's left-back his direct opponent, then this was extremely evident he did not comply, and Slot would not tolerate that.

Rather, the manager is granting Salah the liberty to concentrate solely on offensive duties, which is fine – there are many examples of different clubs using comparable approaches, with players who choose to conserve their energy for attacking moves.

Certainly, there are still certain situations in a game when the team is under pressure and one might feel compelled to help out.

I know he can do it, because during Liverpool triumphed at a top rival previously, his defensive performance was outstanding I've seen from him.

But, he likely been specifically asked to perform that role on that day, which is why I don't blame him if he is asked to stay forward.

'The Main Issue Is How The Team Are Set Up Behind Salah'

The concern with his role stems from how Liverpool set up in defensive support, particularly against stronger teams.

The other teammates must offer better and quicker assistance, as it seemed like Chelsea were moving the ball forward and subsequently switching it to their left side, because that's where the gap existed.

If a their central player went out belatedly – whether it be Ryan Gravenberch – then he created openings in the middle ahead of the defence because Liverpool were missing a player from the center.

This situation is less of a problem when facing teams that you dominate the ball against – as we've seen Liverpool past success playing such tactics – but they must improve as the top sides will capitalize.

'Liverpool Have Lost Control of Matches'

It isn't as if Salah has changed his duties recently, but because he is failing to find the net at the other end, maybe the defensive aspect of his game is amplified.

I am not too concerned about his current performance, as he will return to form – he always does – in terms of his finishing.

He got into some excellent positions against Chelsea but maybe took a chance when he could have assisted, and vice versa, but those chances will continue and the scores will come.

The biggest worry with the team currently is their lack of control in games relative to last season.

It has been a frustrating period for them, naturally, not just to lose three matches in a row in the Premier League and Champions League but as the performance levels have not been what we expect.

There are extenuating circumstances, certainly, with all the squad adjustments in the off-season and the several of individuals who did not have preparatory training, but previously the manager's side appeared so effective at managing games and that is not the case.

It felt like their defensive shape was sound, and his more ball-retention approach provided greater control.

This was an aspect that people instantly saw he had added to the squad, compared to what it was like under the former coach.

Currently, though, I watch them and it looks a bit chaotic. The final 30 minutes of the recent match was hectic it resembled a cup tie – they had opportunities to secure victory, but conceded many chances too, which is why they ended up losing.

{How Can Slot Address Liverpool Issues?

There are a few aspects that are off about the club, and repeatedly notice them losing possession, but I don't see an unresolvable situation.

Just because they have some new additions – and varied profiles too – they don't need to change their playing style. They just need to get back to being slightly more patient and calm.

Good aspect is they are only one point behind table-toppers Arsenal and have opportunity to correct the things that are going wrong.

The physical aspect they are missing will improve as the players who did not have a full pre-season, such as key attackers and full-backs, will attain optimal condition soon.

Building proper understanding on the pitch requires patience too, whether it be between the defender and the forward or other important combinations.

So, there is no reason to panic. It feels like currently in the Premier League, and not only with this team but with every side, you are only one week away from 'catastrophe' and criticism.

The reality is what has happened to Liverpool this week will likely occur at some point to other contenders and Manchester City as well.

I didn't previously thought that side would be in the championship chase, but if their star striker remains motivated and fit they will compete.

Arsenal, in defence, look excellent again and, overall, after several matches they appear very comfortable in what they are doing in all areas – it seems a extension of their previous form, with an extra layer of quality and depth.

With Liverpool it seems more of a rebuild at present. But although there is ongoing work to do for them to find the right equilibrium and partnerships, it is expected everyone expects them to improve as the campaign unfolds.