Danny Murphy: Salah’s Defensive Role Poses Challenges for Liverpool
Analysis by Danny Murphy on how Mohamed Salah’s limited defensive work is exposing Liverpool’s right side against top opponents.
Mohamed Salah's tendency to remain high upfield is exposing Liverpool's right flank, especially against elite teams
Liverpool manager Arne Slot appears to allow Salah to conserve energy for attacking transitions, yet the defensive cover behind him has faltered. Right-back options like Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley and Dominik Szoboszlai have often been left isolated in 2v1 situations, as demonstrated by Chelsea’s match-winning goal.
Slot grants Salah defensive freedom
Slot’s strategy seems to prioritize Salah’s offensive threat over defensive duties, a tactic that has precedent in elite squads using similar approaches. While Salah has previously delivered strong defensive performances—such as in last season’s win at Manchester City—those occasions likely reflected specific tactical instructions.
Structural issues behind Salah
Greater support from midfield is essential. Chelsea repeatedly shifted play to their left to exploit space, highlighting gaps when midfielders like Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister were slow to cover. Though this system works against weaker teams where Liverpool dominates possession, top sides will continue to punish any defensive lapses.
Liverpool’s loss of control
Beyond Salah’s form, Liverpool’s overall game management has slipped compared to last season. A recent run of defeats in the Premier League and Champions League underscores a lack of composure and defensive solidity, a departure from Slot’s previous possession-based balance.
Paths to improvement
Liverpool’s new signings and those who missed pre-season—such as Alexander Isak, Mac Allister, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike—will gain match fitness and develop on-field chemistry. Patience and precision will restore their typical control. With Arsenal leading by a single point and Manchester City lurking, Liverpool still have time to recalibrate their balance and challenge for honours.
Allowing Salah to focus solely on attacking has uncovered weaknesses in Liverpool’s defensive structure down the right flank, which top teams are ready to exploit.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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