Mohamed salah Faces Pressure to Reclaim Dominance as Liverpool Prepare for Manchester United Clash
LIVERPOOL – Mohamed Salah enters Sunday’s highly anticipated match against Manchester United at Anfield under scrutiny, needing to rediscover his pivotal role within Arne Slot’s evolving Liverpool system. A dip in form, coinciding with meaningful personnel changes and tactical adjustments, has raised questions about the egyptian forward’s impact, despite glimpses of his world-class ability demonstrated in recent international play.
Last season, Salah thrived with a consistent attacking structure featuring Jota, Luis Díaz, or Darwin Núñez, supported by Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pinpoint deliveries. Díaz, Núñez, and Alexander-Arnold collectively provided 10 assists for Salah. However, with Szoboszlai remaining the sole survivor from that core and now frequently deployed at right-back – a shift made to accommodate new signing Wirtz and address full-back vulnerabilities – the established synergy has been disrupted.
The absence of the eight-season rapport with Alexander-Arnold has been particularly noticeable. In nine starts this season, Salah has lined up alongside three different full-backs – Jeremie Frimpong, Szoboszlai, and Conor Bradley – and three new forward partners in Ekitiké, Wirtz, and Isak. This constant change in personnel has contributed to inconsistency, both in Salah’s performance and within the team, a reality acknowledged by Slot as the new recruits integrate.
Slot has strategically relieved Salah of some defensive responsibilities,aiming to maximize his attacking output. This tactical trade-off proved accomplished last season, but requires a consistent return of goals and assists to offset the increased exposure on Liverpool’s right flank. Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella highlighted this vulnerability, stating that Enzo Maresca had specifically targeted the space down Liverpool’s right side during their recent encounter at Stamford Bridge.
“I heard the comments from Cucurella and saw how they scored the 2-1,” Slot saeid.”But I can also show you five or six moments where Mo could have made the difference for us. If that had happened, we would have had the conversation like we did last season where he made the difference so many times for us. If that doesn’t happen then there are probably comments like this.”
Slot emphasized the need for balance between wingers and full-backs, stating, “There is always the balance between winger and full-backs. I want our full-backs to attack as well.We have to find the right balance in that.” Ultimately, he needs Salah to once again command center stage, a feat the forward has consistently achieved against United in the past. His recent volley against Djibouti served as a reminder of the quality Liverpool fans have come to expect.
