The Reason Salah's Defensive Duties Is Becoming a 'Little Concern' for The Reds

It seems that the Egyptian star's lack of defensive work is emerging as a minor problem for Liverpool, especially against stronger teams.

I can fully grasp if coach Arne Slot has instructed Salah to avoid defensive duties, because staying high on the right side during transitions has established him as one of the world's most dangerous strikers.

But, the players behind him fail to offer sufficient defensive support, causing numerous challenges for anyone is playing at the right defensive position this season.

Be it Jeremie Frimpong or Dominik Szoboszlai, they end up in trouble due to facing a numerical disadvantage on that flank.

This was a clear vulnerability in the recent match, resulting in Chelsea's winning goal – and the worry is that more teams will intelligently target this same area.

{'Salah Has License to Skip Defence Work

First of all, it's hard to believe that the manager is telling Salah to help defensively and support his right-back.

If he was told to follow Chelsea's defender Marc Cucurella, then this was very evident he wasn't doing it, and the coach would not accept that.

Rather, Slot is allowing Salah the freedom to focus solely on offensive play, which is acceptable – there are numerous examples of different clubs using similar tactics, with players who choose to save their energy for attacking actions.

Certainly, there are always specific situations in a match when the team is conceding chances and one might take it upon yourself to help out.

I know he can do it, since during Liverpool triumphed at a top rival last season, his defensive performance was among the best observed from him.

However, he likely been specifically asked to do so on that day, which is why I don't blame him if he has been asked to remain advanced.

'The Real Problem Is How Liverpool Are Set Up In Support of Salah'

The issue with his role is more about how the side are organized in defensive support, particularly when playing stronger teams.

The other teammates must offer more and faster assistance, because it felt like Chelsea were advancing the ball upfield and then shifting it to their left side, since that's where the space was.

If a their central player went out belatedly – whether it be Alexis Mac Allister – then he left space in central areas ahead of the back line because Liverpool were missing a man from the midfield.

This situation is less critical when facing teams that they control the ball against – evidenced by their past success playing this way – but they must improve because the elite teams will capitalize.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Games'

It isn't as if Salah has changed his duties this season, but since he is not scoring in attack, perhaps the defensive aspect of his performance is more noticeable.

I am not overly concerned about his form, because he will improve – history shows – in terms of his finishing.

He found some excellent situations versus their opponents but maybe took a chance when he could have assisted, and the opposite, but those chances will keep coming and the scores will follow.

The biggest worry with Liverpool at the moment is their lack of control in matches relative to the previous campaign.

This has been a disappointing period for them, of course, not just to suffer three matches in a row in the domestic league and European competition but because the display standards have fallen below what we expect.

We must consider mitigating factors, certainly, with all the squad adjustments in the summer and the several of individuals who did not have preparatory training, but previously the manager's side appeared very good at controlling matches and that is not the case.

It felt like their organization was sound, and Slot's more ball-retention approach brought greater command.

This was something that people immediately noticed he had introduced to the squad, compared to what it was like under previous management.

Currently, though, observing them and it appears somewhat chaotic. The last half-hour of the Chelsea game was hectic it felt like a knockout game – they had chances to win it, but gave away many chances too, which is why they ultimately defeated.

{How Can The Manager Fix Liverpool Issues?

We can identify a few things that are not right about the club, and repeatedly notice them losing possession, but this is not an hopeless situation.

Even though Liverpool have several new players – and different types too – they should not need to alter their approach. They just need to return to being a bit more patient and calm.

The positive news is they are only one point behind table-toppers Arsenal and have opportunity to correct the things that are going wrong.

Fitness element they are lacking will improve because the players who did not have a proper training camp, like key attackers and defenders, will attain optimal condition soon.

Building proper relationships on the pitch requires time too, whether it be between the right-back and the forward or other key pairings.

So, there is no reason to panic. It seems like currently in the top flight, and not only with this team but with all teams, you are only one week away from 'catastrophe' and criticism.

The truth is what has happened to them recently will likely occur at some point to Arsenal and rivals this season.

I had not actually thought that side would be in the championship chase, but if a key attacker stays this hungry and healthy they will compete.

Arsenal, defensively, appear superb again and, in general, after several matches they seem very assured in their performances in all areas – it seems a continuation of last season, with an added dose of quality and depth.

With Liverpool it seems more of a rebuild right now. But while there is still work to do for them to find the optimal equilibrium and partnerships, I think everyone is anticipating them to progress as the season unfolds.