Salah's Defensive Contribution Under Scrutiny at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah's attacking prowess is undeniable, but questions are emerging about his defensive contribution to Liverpool, particularly in matches against higher-caliber opponents. Concerns center on whether Salah's perceived lack of tracking back is creating vulnerabilities for the team, especially on Liverpool's right flank. While manager Arne Slot appears to be granting Salah freedom from extensive defensive duties, the effectiveness of this strategy is now under intense debate following recent defeats.

Defensive Weakness or Tactical Choice?

Liverpool's recent struggles, including a string of losses in both the Premier League and Champions League, have amplified scrutiny of Salah's role. Critics argue that his limited defensive work rate leaves the right-back exposed in 2v1 situations, a weakness that opponents like Chelsea have exploited. However, others maintain that Slot's tactical setup is designed to maximize Salah's attacking threat, accepting a potential defensive trade-off.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, speaking to BBC Sport, believes the issue lies more with Liverpool's overall defensive structure than with Salah himself. "The issue with Salah is more about how Liverpool are set up behind him, especially against the better teams," Murphy stated. "The other players have to be able to help more, and quicker, because it felt like Chelsea were working the ball forwards and then shifting it out to their left, because that's where the space was."

Historical Context and Tactical Evolution

The debate surrounding Salah's defensive duties echoes similar discussions around other high-profile attackers throughout football history. Teams have often accommodated players with exceptional offensive talents by adjusting their defensive systems. However, the modern game's emphasis on pressing and collective defending has increased the pressure on all players to contribute defensively.

Liverpool, under Jurgen Klopp, were renowned for their high-intensity pressing style, demanding defensive contributions from all players, including the front three. While Salah contributed to this system, his primary focus remained on goal-scoring. Under Arne Slot, there appears to be a subtle shift in tactical emphasis, potentially prioritizing possession and controlled attacks over relentless pressing. This shift may explain the perceived change in Salah's defensive responsibilities.

Expert Analysis: A Balancing Act

Football analyst and tactical expert, Michael Cox, argues that the key lies in finding the right balance. "It's a calculated risk," Cox explained. "Allowing Salah to conserve energy for attacking can be devastating, but it requires a robust defensive structure and diligent support from midfielders and the right-back. If those elements are not in place, the team becomes vulnerable."

Cox further notes that the success of this approach depends heavily on the opponent. "Against teams that dominate possession, Liverpool need Salah to contribute more defensively. Against weaker opponents, the trade-off may be worthwhile."

Liverpool's Broader Concerns

Beyond the debate surrounding Salah, concerns persist about Liverpool's overall form and tactical cohesion. Murphy highlights Liverpool's diminished control of games compared to the previous season. "My biggest concern with Liverpool at the moment is with their lack of control of games compared to last season," he said. "It felt like their defensive shape was sound, and Slot's more possession-based style brought greater control. Now, however, I watch them and it looks a bit chaotic."

Recent losses in the Premier League and Champions League Concerns about defensive shape and control Questions about the balance between attack and defense

Looking Ahead

Despite recent setbacks, Liverpool remain in a competitive position in the Premier League. The challenge for Arne Slot is to address the team's defensive vulnerabilities while maximizing the attacking potential of players like Mohamed Salah. Finding the right balance will be crucial to Liverpool's success this season. The integration of new signings and the return to full fitness of key players will also play a significant role in Liverpool's quest to regain their dominance.

As Murphy concludes, "There is no need to panic. It feels like at the moment in the Premier League, and not just with Liverpool but with all teams, you are only one week away from 'catastrophe' and criticism. With Liverpool it feels like more of a rebuild right now. But while there is still work to do for them to find the right balance and combinations, I think everyone is expecting them to improve as the season goes on."