John Barnes Has Noticed One Key Change in Mohamed Salah’s Since Arne Slot’s Liverpool Arrival | OneFootball

John Barnes Weighs In on Mohamed Salah’s Tactical Shift at Liverpool

Liverpool icon John Barnes recently voiced his insights on a noticeable shift in Mohamed Salah’s role during a clash against Real Betis. Traditionally Liverpool’s leading scorer since his transfer from AS Roma in 2017, Salah’s position under new coach Arne Slot has stirred curiosity among fans and pundits alike.

Salah’s New Playing Style: Wide Over Central

In the latest match, Salah adopted a significantly wider role. This adjustment in his playing style is a departure from his usual central position, which has been instrumental in his high scoring record. By operating from the flank, Salah stretched Betis’s backline instead of positioning himself in direct goalscoring situations. Barnes commented on this tactical tweak in an episode of the Official Liverpool Podcast, hinting at a strategic evolution under Slot’s guidance.

“It seems as if Mo may play more of a supportive role in terms of being more creative,” Barnes observed. He further noted, “You didn’t see Mo make many inward runs today. He was playing a bit wider.” This broader role led Salah to assist Dominik Szoboszlai, who netted the match’s lone goal. The ongoing season might see Salah embracing the role of a primary creator, possibly reducing his goal tally but increasing assists as Liverpool adapts to Slot’s vision.

Photo: IMAGO

Potential Impacts on Liverpool’s Strategy

If Salah’s position as a winger becomes permanent, Liverpool’s midfielders will need to increase their offensive contributions to compensate. Barnes speculates on this dynamic shift: “They will have to tinker with that if you get more goals from midfield, if they don’t get more goals from midfield I think Mo will get 30 or 40 goals, but as long as they share it around it will be fine.”

Arne Slot’s Tactical Experiments

Arne Slot’s approach was clearly experimental in the absence of senior strikers like Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Cody Gakpo, who were unavailable post-international duties. Slot opted for a 4-2-4 formation, pairing Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott upfront, highlighting his flexible tactical planning. This formation is expected to evolve once key players return.

“I think during the season you will see us play with a real striker,” Slot revealed post-match, underscoring a temporary adjustment rather than a permanent shift. He explained the rationale behind using two number 10s, Szoboszlai and Elliott, in the striker roles, emphasizing the adaptability required in their setup. “So that was one of the reasons why we played with a double 10 instead of with a striker. That is maybe out of necessity.”

Looking Ahead: Liverpool’s Tactical Future

As Liverpool continues to refine their play under Slot, the emphasis on building from the back and controlling the game remains paramount. The strategy aims to minimize vulnerabilities to counter-attacks, laying a foundation for a robust defensive and offensive balance.

The transition from Klopp’s dynamic system to Slot’s strategic adaptations marks a new chapter for Liverpool, with Salah potentially at the heart of this evolution. How this affects Liverpool’s performance in the upcoming matches remains a focal point of anticipation for fans and critics alike.