Why Mohamed Salah Could Be Considered a Defensive Liability and Why Arne Slot Dropped Liverpool’s Egyptian King
Recent performances have raised concerns about Mohamed Salah’s defensive contributions on the pitch. Under Liverpool manager Arne Slot, Salah’s role has shifted, leading to questions about his effectiveness in both offensive and defensive situations.
Defensive Weaknesses Highlighted in Key Matches
The turning point for Slot may have been the 4-1 defeat to PSV in the Champions League. This loss followed a narrow defeat to Chelsea in October, where a key moment exposed Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities. Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella noted how they took advantage of Salah’s attacking mindset, allowing him to remain untracked, which resulted in a decisive goal.
In their subsequent Premier League matches, opponents increasingly targeted Salah’s defensive side, leading to significant goals against Liverpool. Matches against teams like Manchester United, Brentford, Manchester City, and Nottingham Forest showed a clear trend: attackers were exploiting the space on Salah’s flank.
Salah’s Diminishing Defensive Efforts
Salah’s defensive capabilities have long been a topic of debate. Historically, Liverpool employed Jordan Henderson to bolster their defenses on the right side. However, after Klopp’s departure, statistics indicate a steep decline in Salah’s defensive contributions. His willingness to track back and defend has notably waned.
In response to growing criticisms, Salah acknowledged a unique deal with Slot. He expressed that his focus was primarily offensive, trusting his manager to allow him to operate with less defensive responsibility. Nevertheless, his recent performance statistics, including only six non-penalty goals in 33 appearances, suggest that his contributions no longer justify his lack of defensive effort.
Slot’s Decisions Reflecting Tactical Needs
In light of Salah’s declining defensive metrics, Slot made the strategic choice to bench him in critical matches. Jamie Carragher noted that taking Salah off the field during defensive scenarios seemed a logical decision, emphasizing the need for improved defensive intensity. Data shows that Liverpool presses more effectively without Salah on the pitch, highlighting the gap that teams have exploited.
- Current statistics reveal Salah’s declining defensive performance compared to other wide forwards.
- Increased pressure from opposing teams has led to Salah being sidelined during matches where defensive resilience is crucial.
- Slot’s tactical adjustments are aimed at reinforcing Liverpool’s defense, marking a significant shift in team strategy.
Future Implications for Salah
As Salah navigates this challenging phase, his future involvement in critical matches may hinge on his ability to balance offensive production with defensive effort. If he fails to reclaim his prior form, he risks becoming a liability in Slot’s plans for Liverpool.
The situation remains fluid, and with Liverpool not conceding as much when Salah is absent, Slot may continue to reassess how best to utilize the Egyptian forward moving forward.
