Salah's Defensive Drift: Is Liverpool's Egyptian King Becoming a 'Little Problem'?
The electrifying pace, the clinical finishing, the sheer joy he brings to Anfield – Mohamed Salah has been the undisputed talisman of Liverpool’s recent golden era. Yet, beneath the dazzling brilliance, a subtle shift is occurring, one that has led to former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy identifying a growing concern: Salah’s reduced defensive contribution has become a “little problem” for the Reds down their right flank.
It's a statement that might initially raise eyebrows. After all, Salah is a player whose offensive output has consistently placed him among the world's elite. But Murphy, speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, articulated a nuanced observation that resonates with tactical observers and perhaps even Jürgen Klopp himself. The argument isn't about a sudden decline in effort, but rather a tactical evolution, or perhaps stagnation, that is leaving Liverpool exposed in crucial areas.
The Shifting Sands of Liverpool's Right Flank
For years, Liverpool's attacking machinery has been a well-oiled, almost fearsome, unit. The synergy between Trent Alexander-Arnold, a marauding fullback with unparalleled passing range, and Salah, an inside-forward with an insatiable appetite for goals, was a cornerstone of their success. Alexander-Arnold’s offensive forays were often covered by Salah’s diligent tracking back, creating a formidable defensive shield.
However, as the seasons progress and tactical approaches adapt, this dynamic appears to be less robust. Murphy highlights that Salah is now “not tracking back as much as he used to,” which, in turn, places an increased burden on the midfielders behind him. This creates a domino effect, potentially leaving the likes of Alexis Mac Allister or Dominik Szoboszlai in difficult one-on-one situations or forcing them to cover larger swathes of the pitch.
“He’s not tracking back as much as he used to, and that’s just a fact,” Murphy stated, his analysis cutting through the usual praise for Salah's attacking prowess. “He’s been fantastic, and he’s still a world-class player, but that right-hand side, when they lose the ball, is vulnerable. It’s a little problem for them.”
The Cost of Attacking Dominance
Is this simply the inevitable consequence of a player entering the twilight of his peak years, or a deliberate tactical choice by Klopp? The truth, as it often is in football, is likely a complex blend of both. Salah, at 31, might not possess the same boundless energy he did in his early twenties. The relentless pressing and defensive duties, while integral to Klopp's philosophy, demand an extraordinary physical output.
Furthermore, Salah’s primary value to Liverpool undeniably lies in his goal-scoring. He is the club’s leading scorer and a consistent threat to opposing defences. The tactical decision might be to prioritize his attacking positioning, allowing him to be in advanced areas ready to exploit transitions. But this strategy, when not perfectly executed or when opposition teams are particularly adept at exploiting the space, can backfire.
The question then becomes: what is the acceptable trade-off? How much defensive sacrifice is too much for the sake of maintaining Salah’s offensive threat? Liverpool have, for the most part, managed to navigate this balance successfully. However, against well-drilled teams, or during periods of defensive lapses, the vulnerability on the right becomes starkly apparent.
Alexander-Arnold's Evolving Role and the Midfield Strain
The impact of Salah’s reduced defensive duties is amplified by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s own evolving role. While still a potent attacking force, Alexander-Arnold has also been tasked with more intricate midfield responsibilities, often drifting infield to dictate play. This means the fullback is not always in a position to provide immediate defensive cover on the right flank.
When Salah doesn’t track back, the onus falls heavily on the nearest midfielder. This can lead to midfielders being caught out of position, creating gaps that opposition wingers can exploit. It’s a scenario that has played out on several occasions this season, leading to dangerous counter-attacks and increased pressure on Liverpool’s centre-backs.
The midfield pairing, often featuring a blend of grafters and playmakers, has to work overtime to compensate. While players like Wataru Endo, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai are capable of immense defensive work, the sustained pressure can take its toll, leading to fatigue and potential errors. It begs the question: are Liverpool’s midfielders being asked to do too much?
Tactical Adjustments and the Future of Liverpool's Right Flank
Jürgen Klopp is renowned for his tactical nous and his ability to adapt. It’s highly probable that he is aware of this “little problem” and is working on solutions. These could involve subtle tactical adjustments, such as encouraging a different pressing trigger, or perhaps even a more direct instruction to Salah to be more diligent in his tracking.
However, the question of personnel cannot be ignored either. With the transfer window on the horizon, discussions about potential reinforcements, particularly in midfield or even a more defensively astute winger, might gain traction. The long-term sustainability of the current setup is something that needs careful consideration.
Ultimately, Mohamed Salah remains an indispensable asset to Liverpool. His ability to conjure goals out of nothing is a rare commodity. But as teams become more adept at exploiting weaknesses, and as the demands of modern football continue to intensify, even the most brilliant players can present tactical challenges. Danny Murphy’s observation, while framed as a “little problem,” serves as a timely reminder that even for a team as dominant as Liverpool, continuous refinement and adaptation are paramount to sustained success. The question is, how will Klopp and his staff address this evolving dynamic on the right flank?
You must be logged in to post a comment.