Mo Salah’s Liverpool Struggles: Poor Form or a Bigger Issue? | OneFootball

Mo Salah’s Struggles: Is There a Bigger Issue on the Horizon?

Salah’s Struggles in Context

In football, as in life, perspective is everything. For Liverpool, a team grappling with inconsistency, Mohamed Salah has been a pillar of dependability since his arrival in 2017. But recent performances have sparked debates about his form. As noted by The Athletic, Salah has experienced a series of missed opportunities and a noticeable dip in his typical electrifying play.

For instance, in a critical Europa League match, a mistimed run led to a disallowed goal, and in a Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace, Salah’s usually reliable finishing deserted him. These moments, though disappointing, are not unfamiliar in the world of sports. They bring us to a pivotal question: Is Salah really declining, or is this just a phase of evolution?

Photo: IMAGO

Underlying Numbers Reveal More

To understand Salah’s current state, we must look beyond the surface. The statistics from The Athletic reveal that Salah still leads Liverpool in goals and assists this season, with 23 and 12 respectively. His expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes rate of 0.77 suggests he’s still creating high-quality chances at a rate of nearly three goals every four games. Interestingly, this season he has seen an increase in penalties, which could slightly skew these numbers. Nonetheless, Salah’s shot volume remains high, indicating that he still possesses the threat he’s known for, despite fewer conversions.

Tactical Shifts Impacting Performance

Jurgen Klopp’s tactical adjustments have also played a role in Salah’s changing function within the team. With changes on Liverpool’s right side, including fewer appearances alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold due to injuries, Salah has had to adapt. His role has shifted more towards creating chances, as evidenced by his increasing expected assists (xA), which this season are at a personal best of 0.4 per 90 minutes. This shift in responsibilities could explain some of the perceived decline in his finishing prowess, as he now balances scoring with playmaking duties.

Evolving Role in the Team

Further analysis from The Athletic suggests that Salah’s gameplay is indeed evolving. His dribbling attempts and success rates have decreased, possibly due to his adaptation to more congested play areas and a focus on efficiency over flamboyance. Additionally, Liverpool’s attack dynamics have changed with the integration of players like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, reducing the onus on Salah to always be the primary driver of Liverpool’s offensive actions.

Conclusion: A Phase of Adjustment Rather Than Decline

While it’s tempting to sensationalize a star player’s less stellar phase as a decline, a closer look often reveals a different story. Salah’s adaptation to new roles and responsibilities, coupled with the tactical evolutions under Klopp, suggest that what we’re witnessing might be an evolution of his game suited to current team strategies and his physical condition post-injury. It’s a narrative familiar in the cyclical nature of sports, where even the brightest stars must occasionally adjust their orbits. As Liverpool continues to navigate a challenging season, Salah’s ongoing adaptation will be crucial. His track record suggests that an upturn in form could be imminent, starting perhaps with tonight’s clash against Everton at Goodison Park.