```html Salah's Defensive Role Under Scrutiny as Liverpool Seek Balance

Mohamed Salah's defensive contribution, or perceived lack thereof, has become a talking point surrounding Liverpool's recent form, with some observers suggesting it's a contributing factor to the team's struggles against top opposition. While his attacking prowess remains undeniable, questions are being raised about the balance between his offensive freedom and the defensive responsibilities of the team.

Defensive Weakness or Tactical Choice?

The debate centers on whether Salah is being instructed to conserve energy for attacking transitions, or if his defensive work rate is simply insufficient. Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, speaking to BBC Sport, believes that manager Arne Slot is likely affording Salah the freedom to prioritize attacking. "Instead, Slot is giving Salah the freedom to not do the defensive work, which is fine - there are lots of examples of other teams who have done similar, with players who want to save all their energy for attacking," Murphy stated.

However, this tactical choice places increased pressure on the players behind him, particularly the right-back. "The issue with Salah is more about how Liverpool are set up behind him, especially against the better teams," Murphy added. "The other players have to be able to help more, and quicker... It felt like Chelsea were working the ball forwards and then shifting it out to their left, because that's where the space was."

The Impact on Liverpool's Right Flank

Statistical analysis from Saturday's match against Chelsea supports the claim that Liverpool's right flank is being targeted. According to data, a significant portion of Chelsea's attacks originated down Liverpool's right, exposing the right-back to 2v1 situations. This overload can stretch the defense and create opportunities for the opposition to exploit gaps in midfield.

Historical Context: Klopp's Liverpool and Defensive Responsibility

Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's success was built on a foundation of relentless pressing and collective defensive responsibility. While even then Salah was often afforded some leeway in tracking back, the overall system was designed to compensate for this. The current debate highlights a potential shift in tactical approach under Slot, or perhaps a need to refine the existing system to better accommodate Salah's role.

Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, offered a different perspective: "Even the greatest goalscorers have to contribute defensively. It's not about turning Salah into a defensive midfielder, but about ensuring he fulfills his basic responsibilities within the team structure. Liverpool's defensive solidity was a hallmark of their success, and any deviation from that needs to be addressed."

Lack of Control and Recent Form

Beyond Salah's individual contribution, Liverpool's overall control of games has diminished, according to Murphy. "My biggest concern with Liverpool at the moment is with their lack of control of games compared to last season... It felt like their defensive shape was sound, and Slot's more possession-based style brought greater control. It was something that people instantly saw that he had added to the team, compared to what it was like under Jurgen Klopp. Now, however, I watch them and it looks a bit chaotic."

Looking Ahead: Solutions and Expectations

Despite the concerns, Murphy remains optimistic about Liverpool's ability to turn things around. He believes that the team needs to regain its composure and patience, and that the returning fitness of key players will contribute to improved performance. "Just because Liverpool have got some new players - and different types of players too - they don't need to change the way they play. They just need to get back to being a little bit more patient, and a little more composed," Murphy said.

Improvement in overall team fitness. Building stronger on-pitch relationships between players. Refinement of the tactical system to balance attacking freedom with defensive responsibility.

Liverpool currently sit just outside the top four, and while there's work to be done, the season is still young. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Slot can find the right balance and address the defensive concerns surrounding Salah and the team's overall structure. ```