The Reason Salah's Defensive Role Has Become a 'Little Issue' for Liverpool

It appears that the Egyptian star's limited defensive contributions has turned into a minor issue for the Merseyside club, especially against stronger teams.

I can fully grasp if manager the Liverpool boss has directed Salah not to track back, since positioning himself advanced on the right flank when regaining possession has made him one of the global deadliest goalscorers.

But, the teammates in support fail to offer sufficient cover, creating numerous issues for anyone has been at right-back this season.

Whether it's Conor Bradley or another player, they often find themselves in trouble due to dealing with a numerical disadvantage on their side.

This was a noticeable weakness on Saturday, resulting in Chelsea's decisive goal – and the concern is that more teams will intelligently exploit this weak spot.

{'Salah Has License to Skip Defensive Work

First of all, it's hard to believe that the manager is instructing the attacker to help defensively and assist his defender.

Should he was told to mark Chelsea's left-back his direct opponent, then this was extremely evident he did not comply, and Slot would not accept that.

Rather, Slot is allowing Salah the liberty to focus exclusively on offensive duties, which is acceptable – there are numerous instances of other teams using similar approaches, with players who prefer to conserve their energy for attacking actions.

Certainly, there are always specific moments in a game when you are conceding chances and you might feel compelled to help out.

I know Salah can do it, since when Liverpool won at a top rival last season, his defensive performance was outstanding observed from him.

But, he must have been instructed to perform that role on that occasion, which is why I don't blame him if he has been told to stay forward.

'The Main Problem Is How The Team Are Structured Behind Salah'

The concern with Salah is more about how Liverpool set up in defensive support, particularly when playing top opponents.

His teammates need to provide more and faster help, as it felt like the opposition were advancing the ball upfield and then shifting it to their left, since that's where the space was.

When a their midfielder went out belatedly – whether it be Ryan Gravenberch – then he left space in central areas ahead of the defence because they were missing a man from the midfield.

All this is less critical when facing teams that you dominate the ball against – evidenced by Liverpool previous league wins using such tactics – but they must tighten up because the top sides will take advantage.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Matches'

It is not as if he has changed his role this season, but because he is failing to find the net in attack, perhaps the defensive side of his game is more noticeable.

I am not overly worried about his current performance, as he will return to form – history shows – in terms of his finishing.

He found great situations versus their opponents but perhaps took a chance when he could have assisted, and vice versa, but those opportunities will continue and the goals will follow.

My main concern with Liverpool currently is their reduced command in games relative to the previous campaign.

It has been a disappointing week for them, naturally, not only to suffer three games in a row in the domestic league and Champions League but because the performance levels have fallen below what we expect.

We must consider mitigating factors, certainly, with all the squad adjustments in the summer and the several of players who missed preparatory training, but last season Slot's side appeared so effective at controlling matches and that is no longer the case.

It seemed like their defensive shape was sound, and Slot's more possession-based approach brought greater control.

It was an aspect that people immediately noticed he had introduced to the squad, compared to what it was like under the former coach.

Currently, however, I watch them and it appears somewhat disorganized. The last half-hour of the Chelsea match was hectic it felt like a knockout game – they had chances to secure victory, but conceded several opportunities too, which is why they ultimately defeated.

{How Can The Manager Fix Liverpool Problems?

There are a several aspects that are off about the club, and repeatedly notice them losing possession, but this is not an unresolvable situation.

Just because they have some new players – and varied profiles too – they don't need to alter their playing style. They simply require to get back to being slightly more patient and composed.

The positive news is they are just one point adrift of leaders Arsenal and have opportunity to correct the issues that are underperforming.

The physical element they are lacking will improve because the individuals who did not have a proper pre-season, such as midfielders and defenders, will attain peak fitness soon.

Developing proper understanding on the pitch always takes patience too, whether it be between the right-back and Salah or other important combinations.

Therefore, there is no need to overreact. It seems like at the moment in the Premier League, and not just with Liverpool but with every side, you are a single match away from 'crisis' and scrutiny.

The reality is what has happened to Liverpool recently will probably occur at some point to Arsenal and Manchester City this season.

I had not previously thought that side would be in the title race, but if their star striker stays motivated and fit they will compete.

Arsenal, defensively, appear superb again and, in general, after several matches they seem very comfortable in their performances across the pitch – it looks like a extension of last season, with an extra layer of quality and depth.

With Liverpool it feels like more of a transition right now. But although there is still work to do for them to establish the right balance and partnerships, I think everyone is anticipating them to progress as the season advances.