 |
Salah is becoming a "small problem" for Liverpool. |
When a superstar is relieved of defensive duties, it's not just a tactical choice - it's a test of the entire team structure.
When “privilege” becomes weakness
There is no doubting Salah's influence. He is the man who creates the moments of difference, who can change the game in seconds.
But that’s why Arne Slot gives Salah absolute freedom on the right flank – no need to drop back, no need to mark the opposition defenders. A sensible decision when Liverpool are in possession most of the time; but against strong teams, that privilege is counterproductive.
The defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League round 7 on 4 October was a prime example. Match of the Day pointed out that Marc Cucurella was completely free, while Salah remained in the opposite half of the field.
According to statistics, 39% of Chelsea's attacks came from the left wing, corresponding to the open corridor Salah left. That was not a personal fault - because Slot clearly did not ask him to mark Cucurella. He chose to "free" Salah to keep his striker fresh, ready for counter-attacks.
The problem is that the rest of Liverpool are not ready for that system. Frimpong, Bradley and Szoboszlai - who cover the area behind Salah - are constantly caught in 2-v-1 situations.
When the right-back is stretched, the midfield doesn’t cover quickly enough. With just a few clever turns, Chelsea can penetrate that channel. And when a weakness is exposed in the Premier League, it’s only a matter of time before other teams take advantage.
 |
Salah is 33 years old and cannot press continuously. |
Liverpool under Arne Slot were once praised for their composure and control of play – something they often lost under Jurgen Klopp when they got carried away. But now the team has become chaotic. Three straight defeats, combined with a shaky defence and a confused midfield, suggest Liverpool have lost the balance between freedom and discipline.
When Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister move to the right to support, the space in the middle is immediately left. When they hold their positions, the right side is exploited. Slot is caught between two risky options: either force Salah to defend, weakening the attack; or continue to let him stay high, accepting the gap in behind.
It is worth mentioning that Salah is not incapable of defending. In the win over Man City last season, he pressed relentlessly, blocking the right wing like a real defender.
But the difference lies in the tactical intention. Slot does not want Salah to run 50 meters back into his own half; he needs him to wait for his chance further upfield. And with the system at the back not yet strong enough, that option leaves Liverpool vulnerable.
The situation is still salvageable.
Modern football always has room for “liberated” players. Lionel Messi at Barcelona, Mbappe at PSG (now Real Madrid) or Ronaldo at Real Madrid are all relieved of defensive duties. But those teams have clear mechanisms to compensate: the right midfielder drops deep, the center-back stretches out, or the whole team rotates to cover the space. Liverpool currently do not have that.
 |
Slot need to find a solution for Salah. |
Fortunately, the situation is not out of control. Liverpool are just a point behind Arsenal, and these problems can be solved as the new signings settle in. Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike are all not at their best after a lack of preparation in the summer. When they are fitter, Liverpool will have more options to regain control of the game.
But Slot needs to quickly rebuild the right-back system – either by changing the central midfielder’s role, or adjusting the full-back’s position when Salah doesn’t drop back. It’s fine to reserve privileges for the superstar, but the team must learn to operate around him.
Liverpool are not in crisis, but they are in a rebuilding phase where every little detail can determine the direction of the season. And if Slot does not soon find the balance between individual freedom and collective discipline, the “Salah privilege” – which used to be a weapon – will continue to be Liverpool’s biggest weakness in the title race.
Source: https://znews.vn/tu-do-cua-salah-la-rui-ro-cho-liverpool-post1591092.html
Comment (0)