Mo Salah's Decline: A Crisis of Confidence for Liverpool

Strategic Insights -

Mo Salah's recent performance with Liverpool against Brentford was a stark contrast to his former self, sparking questions about his viability as an automatic starter. Despite being one of the team's most influential players, Salah's level has significantly dropped across various aspects of his game, including dribbling, ball control, crossing, and shooting. This decline has left many wondering if he is in decline or simply not quite himself. As Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, pointed out, Salah's numbers speak for themselves, but he has yet to bring the best out of him this season.

Key Takeaways:

  • Salah's performance against Brentford was mostly terrible, scoring only in the 89th minute when Liverpool were chasing the game. However, his main character energy may have dipped, but his fans have far too many good memories of his lethal, darting presence in pivotal games to soften their allegiance.
  • Brentford's admirably busy style made Liverpool look soft again, and it was much too easy for them to score, particularly on a long throw that was headed on by Kristoffer Ajer and smashed in by Dango Ouattara.
  • Liverpool's vulnerability at the back has inflicted the most damage, with_SLOT emphasizing that it's not just about Salah, but the team's overall performance.
  • Salah's drop in level is not explained by overnight decline and is more likely due to ageing, which affects skills like dribbling, ball control, and shooting.
  • Salah has contributed significantly to Liverpool's trophy wins since joining in 2017, with 47 goal involvements last season, matching the competition record set by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.
  • Liverpool's recent signings, including Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitiké, and Florian Wirtz, have raised questions about the team's treatment of Salah and whether they can retain the Premier League title by putting all their hopes on one player.
  • Jamie Carragher's statement suggesting that Salah should not start every game right now was focused on current form, leaving open the possibility that his star could rise again.
  • Salah was left out for two consecutive Champions League games, but returned to attack in concert with Wirtz, Ekitiké, and Cody Gapko, showing that the team is not relying solely on him.
  • Liverpool's purchase of players to supercharge their attacking play has yet to work, and it's clear that the team is struggling to replicate their dominant attitude from last season.

Statistics:

  • Salah has contributed 47 goal involvements in the Premier League since joining Liverpool in 2017, matching the competition record set by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.
  • Salah has scored 188 Premier League goals, ranking him third behind Alan Shearer (260), Harry Kane (213), and Wayne Rooney (208).
  • Liverpool spent £125m on Alexander Isak, £79m on Hugo Ekitiké, and £116m on Florian Wirtz, raising questions about the team's treatment of Salah.
  • Brentford's long throws are hardly a secret weapon, but Liverpool looked incapable of believing anyone could score against them with such a rudimentary method.

Sources:

  • Alex Pantling/Getty Images
  • The article cites various quotes from Mo Salah, Arne Slot, and Jamie Carragher, as well as references to Liverpool's recent signings and performances.