Salah's Defensive Woes: Analyzing Liverpool's Decision to Bench Their Star Forward

Liverpool's legendary forward Mohamed Salah finds himself at the center of a tactical dilemma as manager Arne Slot continues to exclude him from the starting lineup. The decision follows mounting concerns over the Egyptian star's defensive contributions, with recent matches exposing vulnerabilities on Liverpool's right flank.

The Turning Point

While Liverpool's heavy 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV marked a low point, analysts trace the issue back to October's narrow loss to Chelsea. Blues defender Marc Cucurella revealed post-match that Chelsea deliberately targeted Salah's side, exploiting his tendency to neglect tracking back. "We practiced attacking that space because Salah prioritizes counter-attacks," Cucurella told Sky Sports.

Statistical Evidence

Data reveals a stark decline in Salah's defensive output since Jürgen Klopp's departure. Opponents like Manchester United, Brentford, and Manchester City have consistently funneled attacks down Liverpool's right wing, where Salah's lack of pressing leaves fullbacks exposed. Jamie Carragher criticized Salah for "throwing his right-back under the bus" in recent fixtures.

A Failing Bargain?

Salah previously struck an agreement with Slot, trading defensive duties for offensive production. "I told him if you rest me defensively, I'll deliver goals," Salah admitted last season. However, with just six non-penalty goals in his last 33 appearances, the 34-year-old's declining output may no longer justify the tactical compromise.

Physical Decline

Age appears to be catching up with the Anfield icon. Metrics show reduced sprint frequency and top speeds, while his half-hearted challenge against PSV's Mauro Junior—which led to a crucial goal—drew sharp criticism. "Salah's effort was embarrassing," Carragher remarked during analysis.

As Slot reshapes Liverpool's tactics, Salah's future role remains uncertain. With diminishing returns at both ends of the pitch, the club faces tough decisions about how to maximize the twilight years of one of their greatest modern players.