Salah’s Work Ethic Questioned After Liverpool Defeat to Chelsea

Mohamed Salah’s work ethic came under intense focus as Liverpool suffered a third straight loss, this time at the hands of Chelsea. The criticism was spearheaded by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, who did not hold back when analyzing Salah’s performance, especially his lack of defensive involvement.

Mohamed Salah’s Work Ethic Under Scrutiny

Mohamed Salah’s work ethic has often been praised for his attacking contributions to Liverpool, yet following the recent defeat to Chelsea, questions have been raised about his defensive commitment. Wayne Rooney, speaking after the match, remarked that Salah appeared to be “watching” as Conor Bradley struggled defensively against Chelsea’s forwards, offering little support when Liverpool needed it most. Rooney drew a comparison between Salah’s approach and Cristiano Ronaldo’s, highlighting that while Ronaldo’s teams sometimes accepted his limited defensive role due to his prolific scoring, Liverpool may not be able to afford similar luxuries if results continue to falter.

Comparisons to Past Roles and Managerial Philosophy

The spotlight on Salah’s work rate comes amid changes in Liverpool’s tactical approach. Last season, Salah publicly appreciated new manager Arne Slot for reducing his defensive responsibilities compared to Jurgen Klopp’s regime. While this shift has allowed Salah to focus more on attacking, it has also exposed vulnerabilities in Liverpool’s defensive shape, particularly when they face strong opposition like Chelsea.

Chelsea Exploits Liverpool’s Right Flank

Throughout the match, Chelsea targeted Liverpool’s right flank, where Conor Bradley was repeatedly left exposed. Salah’s reluctance to track back and assist defensively became apparent, as Chelsea capitalized on the space and created several dangerous opportunities. Rooney’s analysis pointed out that elite modern wingers are expected to contribute at both ends of the pitch, especially in high-stakes Premier League clashes.

Impact on Liverpool’s Recent Form

Liverpool’s third consecutive defeat across all competitions has intensified the debate around individual player responsibilities and team cohesion. With the pressure mounting on Arne Slot to reverse this poor run of form, Salah’s role and work ethic will inevitably remain topics of discussion among fans and pundits alike. The team’s defensive fragility, specifically on Salah’s side, could force tactical adjustments if Liverpool are to regain their winning ways.

Wayne Rooney’s Ronaldo Comparison

Wayne Rooney’s comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo adds an interesting layer to the analysis. He argued that only players of Ronaldo’s exceptional goal-scoring caliber could justify a limited defensive role, and even then, it came with drawbacks for the team structure. Rooney questioned whether Salah’s current form warrants such leeway, especially given Liverpool’s recent struggles.

Looking Ahead for Liverpool and Salah

As Liverpool prepare for their next fixture against Manchester United, the spotlight on Salah’s work ethic is unlikely to fade. Whether Arne Slot adjusts his tactical demands of Salah, or the Egyptian star responds with a more well-rounded performance, will be crucial in determining Liverpool’s direction for the remainder of the season.

Opinion: Time for Salah to Take Defensive Responsibility

In my view, while Mohamed Salah remains an attacking asset for Liverpool, the modern game increasingly demands that forwards contribute defensively. For Liverpool to challenge for top honors, Salah must evolve his game, providing more support when out of possession, especially in big matches. Failing to do so risks undermining the team’s ambitions and could see further criticism from legends like Rooney. The coming weeks will be telling for both Salah and Liverpool.

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