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It’s becoming hard to ignore the growing concern around Mohamed Salah’s defensive contribution – or lack of it – in Liverpool’s current setup. Against elite opposition, the balance on the Reds’ right side has looked particularly fragile.

It’s entirely understandable if Arne Slot has deliberately told Salah not to track back. After all, his devastating impact in transition – staying high and wide to exploit space on the counter – has made him one of the most prolific forwards in world football.

But the problem lies in what happens behind him. The players covering Salah’s flank – whether it’s Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, or even Dominik Szoboszlai drifting wide – are being overwhelmed. Too often, they face a two-versus-one overload, which clever teams like Chelsea have exploited to full effect.

On Saturday, that weakness was laid bare when Chelsea snatched victory through yet another move down Liverpool’s exposed right-hand side. The worry now is that others will follow the same tactical blueprint.

‘Salah Has Freedom to Not Defend’

It’s unlikely that Slot is demanding Salah track back regularly. If Salah were supposed to follow Marc Cucurella, it was painfully clear that he wasn’t – and Slot, meticulous in his methods, wouldn’t tolerate such defiance.

Instead, Salah appears to have been granted the licence to conserve energy for attacking phases. Many elite teams do this – allowing their most dangerous forward to stay high and focus on transitions.

“There are always moments when a player might take responsibility and sprint back,” as one pundit put it. And Salah has proven capable of it. In Liverpool’s win at Manchester City last season, his defensive work was exemplary – one of his most complete performances.

But if he’s now been instructed to remain advanced, the responsibility falls on the structure behind him. Salah can’t be blamed for doing as told; instead, Liverpool must find a way to better protect that channel when he stays forward.

How Liverpool’s Setup is Exposed

The core issue is not Salah’s effort – it’s how Liverpool are organised behind him. Against possession-heavy sides, the midfield fails to shift and compensate quickly enough.

When Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister move out wide to support the right-back, they often leave central spaces unguarded. That opens passing lanes into the pockets between midfield and defence, an area opponents like Chelsea were happy to exploit.

In games where Liverpool dominate possession, such as against mid-table sides, this flaw is less visible. However, versus top opponents, it becomes glaring. Data from Saturday’s defeat showed that 39% of Chelsea’s attacks came down Liverpool’s right flank – a statistic that paints the picture perfectly.

Unless Slot adjusts the pressing structure or reinforces the midfield rotation, this imbalance could continue to cost them points.

Control Lost: Liverpool’s New Problem

Beyond the defensive frailties, Liverpool’s recent slump is rooted in something deeper – a lack of control.

Last season, under Slot’s early stewardship, Liverpool looked composed in possession. Their transitions were measured, their shape compact, and their defensive discipline tight. Fast-forward to this campaign, and those qualities have evaporated.

The recent three-game losing streak across the Premier League and Champions League highlights more than just poor form; it shows disorganisation.

The chaotic final half-hour against Chelsea was a case in point. It felt like a cup tie – frantic and end-to-end – with Liverpool carving out chances but gifting just as many. That loss of composure contrasts sharply with the side that, only months ago, dictated matches with calm precision.

Slot’s Fix: Patience, Fitness and Familiarity

Despite the turbulence, this isn’t an unsolvable crisis. Slot’s philosophy is proven, but Liverpool’s execution has wavered due to several mitigating factors: new personnel, missing pre-seasons, and unfamiliar partnerships.

Players like Alexander Isak, Mac Allister, Bradley, and Hugo Ekitike are still regaining fitness or adapting to Slot’s demands. Once they hit full sharpness, the intensity and coordination will return.

On top of that, understanding on the pitch takes time to develop. The right-side combination – between Frimpong or Bradley and Salah – is still bedding in, while creative links like Florian Wirtz and Isak are learning each other’s movements.

Slot will be urging his players to rediscover the patience and control that defined their early dominance. The ball retention must improve, and with it, the rhythm that keeps Liverpool stable in both phases of play.

Perspective in the Title Race

Despite their stumbles, Liverpool sit only a point behind Arsenal at the top of the table. There’s no need for panic – not yet.

The Premier League landscape remains volatile. As Slot himself hinted, “fine margins just aren’t in our favour right now.” That can change quickly.

Other contenders will falter too. Arsenal look solid defensively and balanced across the pitch, while Manchester City continue to depend heavily on Erling Haaland’s fitness and form. Slot’s Liverpool, meanwhile, are still in rebuild mode – refining chemistry and rhythm.

But make no mistake, the ceiling remains high. Once the cohesion returns, Liverpool have the potential to mount a serious title challenge.

Conclusion: A Balance Still to Find

Liverpool’s tactical equation is clear: Salah’s brilliance in attack justifies his freedom, but the system must adapt to cover for it. Until it does, the right flank will remain a vulnerability that smarter opponents can target.

The solution isn’t radical change, but refinement. With improved fitness, tighter structure, and greater composure in possession, Arne Slot’s Liverpool can rediscover the control and cutting edge that once made them so formidable.

And when that happens, Salah’s defensive absence won’t be a problem – it’ll be part of a winning formula again.