Liverpool's Big-Game Gap: Is Salah the Missing Piece for Slot's System?
7 October 2025
Right flank gaps expose Liverpool's balance
It appears Salah's absence in defensive support has become a small problem for Liverpool, particularly against the league's big sides, as coach Arne Slot tries to balance Salah's attacking freedom with a solid defensive shape.
BBC, citing analysis, notes that Salah often remains high up the pitch, leaving space on the right that opponents can exploit. In transition moments he is devastating, but his lack of defensive duties creates opportunities for rivals to hurt Liverpool.
Behind Salah on the right, players such as Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, and Dominik Szoboszlai find themselves facing numeric overloads, two against one, when the ball travels down that flank.
These weaknesses were evident in Chelsea's recent winner, raising concerns that other clubs will seek to target the same space.
Salah has freedom to focus on attack
Slot does not demand Salah drop to support the right back. Salah is not marking opponents like Marc Cucurella; the Dutch coach is not lenient with such instruction if it lies outside his plan.
Rather, Slot gives Salah license to concentrate on the attacking third, mirroring a philosophy used by several managers who prefer to conserve star players' energy for the final third.
However, the report notes that in some moments when the team is pressed, other players might shoulder more responsibility and come back to defend.
BBC recalls last season's match against Manchester City, where Salah showed notable defensive work, proving he can contribute defensively when asked.
The real problem for Liverpool under Slot
The analysis argues the issue is not Salah himself, but how Liverpool lines up behind him, especially against strong sides. When midfield support lags, such as Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister, the team becomes exposed with spaces for opponents to exploit.
That issue is less visible when Liverpool dominates possession, as in some matches last season, but now they need greater tactical discipline to avoid being carved open by elite teams.
Alexander Isak, Alexis Mac Allister, Conor Bradley, and Hugo Ekitike are expected to return to fitness, strengthening the squad physically.
Smart duos on the field—between the right back and Salah, or between Florian Wirtz and Isak—are expected to restore balance and control.
How can Slot fix Liverpool?
The summary from Brit media points to several fixes: improve focus in build up, protect possession better, and avoid unnecessary turnover. It does not require a total stylistic upheaval, but a return to patience and calm.
Liverpool remains only one point behind the leaders Arsenal, with time to fix issues. The squad's physical condition will improve gradually as players return from injury, including Isak, Mac Allister, Bradley, and Ekitike.
Also, better chemistry in the duos on the pitch—whether the right back with Salah, or Florian Wirtz with Isak—could help restore balance and control.
And yes, every big club goes through slumps. The trick is to stay calm and let the process work. If Salah stays forward, the defense must remember to bring the whole squad along for the ride; otherwise, it is a really expensive rollercoaster for the fans.
Punchline 1: Salah's defensive duties are so optional that even his fantasy team has a defense-optional setting.
Punchline 2: Slot's plan is simple: keep Mo forward and pray the rest of the team remembers how to defend. If not, at least the snacks will still taste great in the stadium queue.
