🔗 Share this article

It appears that the Egyptian star's lack of defensive work is emerging as a minor issue for Liverpool, particularly against stronger opponents.

It's understandable if manager the Liverpool boss has instructed Salah not to track back, because staying high on the right flank during transitions has made him one of the global deadliest strikers.

But, the teammates behind him are not providing sufficient defensive support, creating significant issues for whoever has been at the right defensive position this season.

Be it Jeremie Frimpong or another player, they end up in trouble due to dealing with a 2v1 overload on that flank.

It proved a clear vulnerability on Saturday, resulting in the opponent's decisive goal – and the concern is that other sides will smartly exploit this weak spot.

{'Salah Is Given Freedom to Skip Defence Duties'

First of all, I doubt that the manager is telling Salah to track back and support his defender.

If Salah had been instructed to mark Chelsea's left-back his direct opponent, then this was very evident he did not comply, and the coach would not tolerate that.

Instead, the manager is allowing him the freedom to focus solely on attacking play, which is fine – we've seen numerous instances of other teams using comparable approaches, with individuals who choose to save their energy for forward moves.

Yes, there are still specific moments in a game when the team is under pressure and one might take it upon yourself to track back.

It's known Salah is capable, because during Liverpool won at a top rival last season, his work rate was among the best I've seen from him.

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

'The Main Issue Is How The Team Are Set Up In Support of Salah'

The concern with his role stems from how the side are organized behind him, especially when playing top teams.

The other players must offer better and faster help, because it felt like Chelsea were advancing the ball forward and subsequently shifting it to their left side, because that's where the gap existed.

When a their central player went out belatedly – be it Ryan Gravenberch – then he left space in the middle ahead of the back line because Liverpool were missing a man from the midfield.

This situation becomes less critical when playing opponents that they control possession against – as we've seen their previous success playing such tactics – but they must improve as the top sides will capitalize.

'Liverpool Have Lost Command of Matches'

It is not as if he has changed his duties recently, but since he is failing to find the net in attack, maybe the defensive aspect of his performance is more noticeable.

I'm not overly concerned about his form, as he will return to form – history shows – in terms of his goal scoring.

He got into great positions versus their opponents but maybe shot when he should have passed, and the opposite, but those opportunities will keep coming and the goals will follow.

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

This has been a disappointing week for them, of course, 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, of course, with the numerous squad adjustments in the summer and the number of individuals who missed pre-season, but previously Slot's side appeared so effective at controlling matches and that is no longer the case.

It felt like their defensive shape was sound, and Slot's more ball-retention approach brought greater control.

This was an aspect that people immediately noticed he had added to the team, compared to what it was like under the former coach.

Currently, however, observing them and it looks somewhat chaotic. The final 30 minutes of the Chelsea game was so frenetic it resembled a cup tie – they had opportunities to secure victory, but conceded several chances too, which is why they ultimately losing.

{How Can Slot Address Liverpool Problems?

We can identify a few aspects that are off about the club, and repeatedly notice them giving the ball away, but I don't see an unresolvable scenario.

Even though they have several new additions – and different types too – they don't need to change their playing style. They just need to get back to being a bit more composed and calm.

Good aspect is they are only one point behind leaders Arsenal and have opportunity to fix the issues that are going wrong.

The physical aspect they are lacking will come because the players who missed a full training camp, such as key attackers and full-backs, will attain optimal condition soon.

Developing effective understanding on the pitch requires patience too, whether it be between the defender and Salah or other important pairings.

Therefore, there is no need to panic. It seems like currently in the top flight, and not only with Liverpool but with all teams, you are only one week away from 'catastrophe' and scrutiny.

The reality is the recent results to Liverpool recently will likely occur at some stage to Arsenal and rivals this season.

I didn't previously believed City would be in the championship chase, but if their star striker remains motivated and fit they will be in contention.

Arsenal, defensively, look superb again and, overall, after seven games they seem very assured in their performances across the pitch – it seems a continuation of last season, with an extra dose of quality and squad strength.

With Liverpool it seems more of a rebuild at present. But while there is ongoing work to do for them to establish the optimal balance and combinations, it is expected all expects them to improve as the season unfolds.