The Reason Salah's Defence Duties Has Become a 'Minor Issue' for The Reds

It seems that the Egyptian star's lack of defensive contributions is emerging as a minor problem for Liverpool, particularly when facing top-tier opponents.

It's understandable if manager the Liverpool boss has instructed Salah not to track back, because staying high on the right side when regaining possession has established him as one of the global most dangerous strikers.

However, the teammates behind him fail to offer sufficient defensive support, causing numerous challenges for whoever is playing at the right defensive position this season.

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

It proved a clear vulnerability on Saturday, resulting in Chelsea's winning goal – and the worry is that other sides will intelligently exploit this same area.

{'Salah Has Freedom to Skip Defence Duties'

First of all, I doubt that the manager is telling the attacker to help defensively and assist his right-back.

If Salah was told to follow the opposition's left-back his direct opponent, then it was extremely evident he did not comply, and the coach would not accept that.

Rather, Slot is granting Salah the liberty to concentrate solely on offensive play, which is fine – there are many instances of different clubs using comparable approaches, with players who choose to save their energy for forward moves.

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

It's known he can do it, because when Liverpool won at a top rival last season, his defensive performance was among the best I've seen from him.

However, he must have been instructed to perform that role on that day, which is why I am not criticizing him if he has been told to stay forward.

'The Real Problem Is The Way Liverpool Are Structured Behind Salah'

The issue with Salah is more about how the side are organized in defensive support, particularly against stronger opponents.

The other players must offer more and faster assistance, as it felt like Chelsea were moving the ball forward and then switching it to their left side, since that's where the space existed.

If a Liverpool central player went out too late – be it Ryan Gravenberch – then he created space in the middle ahead of the back line because Liverpool were losing a player from the midfield.

This situation becomes less of a problem when facing teams that you dominate possession against – evidenced by their previous success playing this way – but they need to improve because the elite teams will capitalize.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Matches'

It isn't as if Salah has changed his role recently, but since he is failing to find the net in attack, maybe the defensive aspect of his game is more noticeable.

I'm not too concerned about his current performance, because he will improve – history shows – in terms of his goal scoring.

He got into some excellent situations versus their opponents but perhaps shot when he could have assisted, and vice versa, but those chances will continue and the goals will follow.

The biggest concern with Liverpool currently is their lack of control in matches relative to the previous campaign.

It has been a frustrating period for them, naturally, not only to lose three games in a row in the domestic league and European competition but as the performance levels have fallen below expectations.

There are mitigating factors, certainly, with the numerous squad adjustments in the off-season and the number of individuals who missed pre-season, but previously the manager's Liverpool appeared so effective at managing games and that is not the situation.

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

It was something that observers instantly saw he had added to the squad, in contrast to what it was like under the former coach.

Now, though, I watch them and it looks a bit disorganized. The final 30 minutes of the Chelsea match was so frenetic it felt like a knockout game – they had opportunities to win it, but gave away many opportunities too, which is why they ultimately defeated.

{How Can Slot Fix Liverpool Issues?

There are a several aspects that are not right about Liverpool, and I keep seeing them giving the ball away, but I don't see an unresolvable situation.

Just because Liverpool have several new additions – and different types too – they don't need to alter their playing style. They just need to get back to being a bit more composed and composed.

Good news is they are only one point adrift of table-toppers Arsenal and have opportunity to fix the things that are underperforming.

The physical aspect they are missing will come because the individuals who missed a proper pre-season, such as midfielders and defenders, will attain peak fitness soon.

Developing proper understanding on the field always takes time too, whether it be between the defender and Salah or additional important combinations.

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

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

I didn't previously believed City would be in the championship chase, but if their star striker stays this hungry and fit they will be in contention.

Arsenal, in defence, look superb again and, in general, after seven games they appear very assured in their performances in all areas – it seems a extension of their previous form, with an extra dose of talent and depth.

For them it seems more of a rebuild at present. But although there is still work to do for them to establish the right balance and combinations, I think all is anticipating them to improve as the campaign unfolds.