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It appears that the Egyptian star's limited defensive contributions has turned into a minor issue for Liverpool, especially against stronger teams.

It's understandable if manager the Liverpool boss has directed the forward to avoid defensive duties, because positioning himself advanced on the right flank when regaining possession has made him one of the global deadliest strikers.

However, the players in support are not providing adequate defensive support, causing significant issues for whoever has been at right-back in recent matches.

Be it Jeremie Frimpong or Dominik Szoboszlai, they end up in difficulty due to facing a numerical disadvantage on that flank.

This was a clear weakness in the recent match, leading to Chelsea's winning goal – and the concern is that other sides will smartly exploit this same area.

{'Salah Is Given License to Avoid Defensive Duties'

Primarily, it's hard to believe that Slot is instructing Salah to help defensively and assist his right-back.

Should he was told to mark Chelsea's defender his direct opponent, then it was very evident he wasn't doing it, and Slot would not tolerate that.

Instead, Slot is granting Salah the freedom to focus solely on offensive duties, which is acceptable – we've seen many instances of different clubs adopting comparable tactics, with players who choose to save their energy for attacking actions.

Certainly, there are always certain situations in a game when the team is under pressure and one might feel compelled to help out.

It's known he is capable, because when Liverpool won at a top rival last season, his defensive performance was outstanding I've seen from him.

However, he likely been instructed to do so on that day, which is why I am not criticizing him if he is told to remain advanced.

'The Real Problem Is How The Team Are Structured Behind Salah'

The concern with Salah is more about how Liverpool are organized behind him, especially against top teams.

The other players need to provide more and faster assistance, because it seemed like Chelsea were moving the ball upfield and then switching it to their left, since that's where the space existed.

If a Liverpool central player moved wide belatedly – whether it be Ryan Gravenberch – then he created openings in central areas ahead of the defence because they were losing a man from the midfield.

All this is less critical when facing opponents that they control the ball against – as we've seen their previous success using such tactics – but they need to tighten up because the elite teams will capitalize.

'Liverpool Are Losing Command of Matches'

It is not as if Salah has altered his role this season, but because he is not scoring in attack, maybe the defensive aspect of his game is amplified.

I am not too concerned about his form, as he will improve – he always does – in terms of his finishing.

He got into great positions versus their opponents but perhaps shot when he should have passed, and vice versa, but those opportunities will keep coming and the goals will follow.

The biggest worry with Liverpool at the moment is their reduced control in matches relative to the previous campaign.

It has been a disappointing week for them, of course, not only to suffer three games in a row in the Premier League and Champions League but because the display standards have fallen below what we expect.

We must consider mitigating factors, of course, with the numerous squad adjustments in the summer and the number of individuals who missed preparatory training, but previously the manager's Liverpool appeared so effective at managing games and that is no longer the situation.

It felt like their organization was solid, and his more ball-retention style provided greater command.

This was an aspect that people immediately saw he had introduced to the team, compared to what it was like under previous management.

Currently, though, observing them and it appears somewhat chaotic. The last half-hour of the recent match was hectic it felt like a cup tie – they had opportunities to win it, but gave away several opportunities too, which is why they ended up defeated.

{How Can Slot Address The Team's Problems?

We can identify a few things that are not right about Liverpool, and repeatedly notice them losing possession, but I don't see an hopeless scenario.

Even though they have several new players – and varied profiles too – they should not need to change their playing style. They simply require to return to being a bit more composed and composed.

Good news is they are just one point behind table-toppers Arsenal and have time to correct the things that are going wrong.

The physical element they are lacking will come because the individuals who did not have a proper pre-season, such as key attackers and defenders, will attain peak fitness shortly.

Developing effective relationships on the field always takes time too, whether it be between the defender and the forward or additional key combinations.

So, there is no need to panic. It feels like at the moment in the top flight, and not only with Liverpool but with all teams, you are a single match away from 'crisis' and scrutiny.

The reality is what has happened to them this week will probably happen at some point to other contenders and rivals as well.

I had not actually believed that side would be in the title race, but if their star striker stays motivated and fit they will compete.

The London club, in defence, appear excellent again and, in general, after seven games they seem very assured in their performances across the pitch – it seems a extension of last season, with an added dose of talent and squad strength.

With Liverpool it seems more of a rebuild at present. But while there is still work to do for them to establish the optimal balance and partnerships, it is expected all is anticipating them to progress as the season advances.