Danny Murphy: Salah’s Defensive Lapses Are Exposing Liverpool’s Right Flank
Liverpool legend Danny Murphy examines how Mohamed Salah’s reduced defensive work is creating vulnerabilities on the right side and affecting the team’s control against top opponents.
Mohamed Salah’s hesitation to track back has increasingly exposed Liverpool’s right flank, particularly against elite opposition, says Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy.
Salah Given Free Rein to Attack
Murphy suggests that Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot, may have instructed Salah to conserve energy for offensive transitions rather than drop deep defensively. While this strategy has helped Salah become one of the world’s top scorers, it has left the right-back in a constant 2v1 overload.
Structural Weaknesses Revealed
The lack of timely support from midfielders like Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister has created gaps for opponents to exploit. Chelsea’s winning goal highlighted how quickly the ball can be switched to the left flank, leaving Liverpool exposed.
Midfield Control Has Eroded
Compared to last season’s disciplined shape, Liverpool now struggle to manage games. Their recent slump—three consecutive defeats in the Premier League and Champions League—reflects a loss of composure and defensive solidity.
Paths to Improvement
Murphy believes Liverpool must blend patience with better defensive coordination without abandoning their attacking identity. He notes that as players like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike regain full fitness, relationships on the pitch will strengthen.
Liverpool’s tactical balance hinges on improved defensive support for Salah and tighter game management to regain control against top-tier teams.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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