🔗 Share this article

It seems that Mohamed Salah's lack of defensive contributions is emerging as a slight issue for the Merseyside club, especially against stronger opponents.

It's understandable if manager the Liverpool boss has directed the forward not to track back, since staying high on the right side when regaining possession has established him as one of the world's deadliest goalscorers.

However, the teammates in support are not providing sufficient defensive support, causing significant issues for anyone is playing at the right defensive position in recent matches.

Be it Conor Bradley or Dominik Szoboszlai, they end up in difficulty due to facing a 2v1 overload on their side.

This was a clear weakness on Saturday, leading to the opponent's decisive goal – and the worry is that other sides will smartly target this weak spot.

{'Salah Is Given Freedom to Skip Defence Duties'

Primarily, it's hard to believe that the manager is instructing Salah to track back and support his right-back.

Should Salah had been instructed to mark Chelsea's left-back his direct opponent, then it was extremely obvious he wasn't doing it, and Slot would not accept that.

Instead, the manager is allowing Salah the freedom to focus solely on offensive duties, which is fine – we've seen many examples of different clubs adopting similar approaches, with players who choose to conserve their energy for forward actions.

Yes, there are always certain moments in a match when you are conceding chances and you might feel compelled to help out.

It's known Salah can do it, since during Liverpool triumphed at a top rival last season, his defensive performance was outstanding I've seen from him.

However, he must have been specifically asked to do so on that occasion, which is why I don't blame him if he has been told to stay forward.

'The Main Issue Is How The Team Are Set Up In Support of Salah'

The concern with his role stems from how Liverpool are organized behind him, especially against top teams.

His players must provide more and faster assistance, because it felt like Chelsea were advancing the ball upfield and subsequently shifting it to their left side, because that's where the space was.

If a their midfielder went out too late – whether it be Alexis Mac Allister – then he left openings in the middle in front of the back line because they were losing a player from the center.

This situation becomes less critical when playing opponents that you dominate the ball against – evidenced by Liverpool past success playing such tactics – but they must improve because the elite teams will capitalize.

'Liverpool Have Lost Command of Matches'

It isn't as if he has altered his role this season, but since he is failing to find the net in attack, perhaps the defensive side of his performance is more noticeable.

I'm not too worried about his current performance, because he will improve – he always does – in terms of his goal scoring.

He got into great positions versus Chelsea but maybe shot when he should have passed, and vice versa, but those chances will continue and the scores will come.

My main concern with the team currently is their reduced command in games relative to last season.

This has been a disappointing week for them, naturally, not just to suffer multiple matches in a row in the Premier League and European competition but because the performance levels have fallen below what we expect.

There are mitigating factors, of course, with the numerous squad adjustments in the off-season and the several of players who did not have preparatory training, but previously Slot's side seemed so effective at managing games and that is no longer the case.

It felt like their organization was sound, and Slot's more possession-based approach provided greater command.

This was something that people immediately saw he had added to the team, in contrast to what it was like under previous management.

Currently, however, I watch them and it appears a bit disorganized. The final 30 minutes of the recent game was so frenetic it resembled a cup tie – they had chances to win it, but conceded several opportunities too, which is why they ultimately losing.

{How Can Slot Address Liverpool Issues?

There are a several aspects that are not right about Liverpool, and I keep seeing them losing possession, but this is not an unresolvable scenario.

Just because Liverpool have some new additions – and varied profiles too – they don't need to change their approach. They just need to return to being slightly more composed and calm.

The positive aspect is they are just one point behind table-toppers the front-runners and have opportunity to fix the issues that are underperforming.

Fitness element they are lacking will improve because the players who missed a full training camp, like key attackers and defenders, will reach optimal condition soon.

Developing effective relationships on the pitch always takes time too, whether it be between the defender and Salah or additional key pairings.

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

The reality is the recent results to Liverpool this week will likely occur at some point to other contenders and Manchester City this season.

I had not actually thought that side would be in the title race, but if a key attacker stays motivated and fit they will compete.

The London club, defensively, look excellent again and, in general, after several matches they appear very assured in what they are doing in all areas – it looks like a extension of last season, with an extra dose of talent and depth.

For them it feels like more of a transition at present. But although there is ongoing work to do for them to find the right balance and combinations, it is expected all is anticipating them to progress as the season unfolds.