Liverpool Struggles Deepen Slot Faces Tough Decisions After Defeat

Liverpool, the Premier League champions last season, are facing serious struggles just months after their title-winning campaign. The Reds look vulnerable at the back, slow in midfield, and ineffective in attack. Manager Arne Slot, despite spending almost £450 million on new signings, appears unsure of his best starting lineup.

In Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield, summer signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Jeremie Frimpong – who together cost £214.5 million – all began the game on the bench. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock noted that Slot faces a dilemma in fitting his high-profile players into the team. “It’s not always about the price or the name of a player,” Warnock said.

Should Salah Be Dropped?

Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool’s star player for the past eight seasons, but the winger has struggled this term. After scoring 29 goals last season, he has managed only three goals in 10 league games this season. His last Premier League goal came on 14 September, and he has not scored from open play in the league since the season opener.

Salah missed a clear chance against Manchester United, highlighting his current lack of confidence. Slow build-up play is affecting him, as he performs best in fast-paced attacks facing defenders directly. Wayne Rooney has criticized Salah’s recent work ethic, pointing to his limited defensive contributions. Slot now faces the difficult decision of whether to rest his long-time star.

Isak or Ekitike? Why Not Both?

Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s £125 million signing, has struggled to adapt after missing pre-season, failing to score in his first seven league games. In contrast, Hugo Ekitike scored five times in his first eight appearances but has seen his opportunities dry up after a controversial Carabao Cup red card.

Slot has preferred Isak as the main striker, but the Swede’s limited involvement has frustrated the Reds’ attacking play. Some are questioning whether Liverpool could use Isak and Ekitike together upfront to increase their firepower.

Midfield Struggles: Wirtz’s Role

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s £116 million summer signing, has also struggled to make an impact. While he enjoyed a full pre-season, Wirtz has yet to score and has only one assist this season. Slot has tried using him centrally behind the strikers, a change from his left-sided role at Bayer Leverkusen, but this has disrupted Liverpool’s previously solid midfield trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Despite creating chances when on the pitch, Wirtz has often been left on the bench. Slot now faces the challenge of restoring confidence in Wirtz while demanding more creativity from his teammates.

Right-Back Problems

The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid has left a huge gap in Liverpool’s defense. Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley, and even Szoboszlai have rotated at right-back, leaving the flank exposed. Frimpong and Bradley often leave space behind when pushing forward, and Salah’s limited defensive work compounds the issue.

Chris Sutton described the right-back situation as a “mess,” while Warnock suggested Frimpong was signed as a utility player, not a full-time defender. Liverpool also face questions on the left, with new signing Milos Kerkez failing to impress and Andy Robertson demoted. Slot must decide who to trust on both sides of the defense.

Central Defence Leaks

With full-backs struggling, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are under more pressure. Both have shown vulnerability against fast attacks, and individual mistakes have cost Liverpool goals. Set-piece defending has also been weak, with the Reds conceding five goals from dead-ball situations this season.

Liverpool’s defensive and attacking struggles, combined with uncertainty over key players like Salah, Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz, and their full-backs, leave Slot with major decisions. How he addresses these issues in the coming weeks could determine whether Liverpool can regain form or risk falling into a worrying losing streak.