Mo Salah’s deployment as a striker against Galatasaray isn’t something we should get used to, but rather a sign that Alexander Isak’s return nears.
It wasn’t a surprise to see Salah on the teamsheet for this second leg. Arne Slot prioritised experience in his Liverpool XI.
It was, however, a noticeably different role for the Egyptian. He played in a strike partnership with Hugo Ekitike, leaving Jeremie Frimpong with full license on the right wing.
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Current feelings for Slot aside, has he been better than Benitez?
Rather than a reinvention of Salah’s role, this seems like a sign that Slot is preparing for a tactical shift that can hopefully reinvigorate his side ahead of the run-in. A shift that sees Salah cast aside.
Arne Slot uses two strikers in crucial Galatasaray clash
The future of Liverpool’s attacking line is a question that has been on everyone’s lips this season.
Salah has looked close to a Liverpool exit for some time and it looks more and more likely the closer we get to the summer.
With how Salah’s pace has visibly regressed, he has looked largely ineffective out wide. The role Slot used him in against Galatasaray was much more central, which led to a consistent stream of chances. It’s a continuation of the trend of pushing Salah closer to goal, and this was the most extreme version yet.
He made up for a missed penalty before the break with a beautiful finish for Liverpool’s fourth of the night. Adding an assist to his tally, it was a very good performance.
As well as it worked out for the Reds on the night, I don’t think that was the biggest reason for Salah’s position change. Rather, it was a blueprint for how Liverpool will look after he is gone.
Arne Slot wants to pivot away from reliance on Salah
One good performance doesn’t negate what we have seen from Salah this season. He looked better, but against a Galatasaray defence that looked lost in the second half.
Slot has now seen the danger of relying on a star so much for attacking output — especially one whose career is on a downward trend.
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If Slot wants to get the most out of his current squad, Isak and Ekitike have to be starters next season. This formation switch would do exactly that, with the Swede coming in for Salah to partner with his fellow Liverpool number nine.
It feels somewhat unfair to do anything but praise Liverpool players after such an emphatic win, but the bigger picture is a Liverpool front line with both of their elite strikers able to have an impact next season.
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