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It seems that the Egyptian star's limited defensive contributions has turned into a minor problem for the Merseyside club, particularly against top-tier teams.

It's understandable if manager the Liverpool boss has instructed the forward to avoid defensive duties, because staying high on the right side when regaining possession has made him one of the world's deadliest strikers.

However, the players in support are not providing adequate cover, causing significant issues for anyone is playing at right-back in recent matches.

Whether it's Jeremie Frimpong or Dominik Szoboszlai, they often find themselves in difficulty due to facing a numerical disadvantage on their side.

This was a noticeable weakness on Saturday, resulting in Chelsea's winning goal – and the worry is that other sides will smartly exploit this weak spot.

{'Salah Is Given License to Skip Defence Work

Primarily, I doubt that the manager is instructing Salah to help defensively and assist his right-back.

If he had been instructed to follow the opposition's left-back his direct opponent, then it was very evident he did not comply, and Slot would not accept that.

Instead, the manager is granting Salah the freedom to concentrate solely on offensive duties, which is acceptable – there are numerous instances of other teams using similar tactics, with individuals who prefer to save their energy for attacking moves.

Certainly, there are still specific situations in a match when you are under pressure and one might take it upon yourself to track back.

I know he is capable, since when Liverpool triumphed at a top rival previously, his defensive performance was among the best observed from him.

However, he must have been instructed to do so on that day, which is why I don't blame him if he has been told to remain advanced.

'The Main Issue Is How Liverpool Are Set Up Behind Salah'

The concern with Salah stems from how Liverpool are organized behind him, especially when playing top opponents.

His teammates must offer more and quicker help, because it seemed like the opposition were advancing the ball upfield and subsequently switching it to their left, because that's where the space was.

When a Liverpool central player moved wide too late – whether it be Alexis Mac Allister – then he left openings in central areas ahead of the defence because they were missing a player from the midfield.

All this is less of a problem when playing opponents that you dominate the ball against – as we've seen their past league wins playing this way – but they must tighten up as the top sides will take advantage.

'Liverpool Are Losing Control of Matches'

It isn't as if Salah has changed his duties this season, but because he is not scoring in attack, perhaps the defensive aspect of his game is amplified.

I am not overly concerned about his current performance, because he will return to form – history shows – in terms of his goal scoring.

He found great situations against their opponents but maybe took a chance when he should have passed, and vice versa, but those opportunities will keep coming and the goals will follow.

The biggest concern with Liverpool currently is their reduced command in matches compared to the previous campaign.

It has been a disappointing week for them, of course, not just to lose three games in a row in the Premier League and European competition but as the display standards have fallen below expectations.

We must consider extenuating circumstances, certainly, with all the personnel changes in the off-season and the several of individuals who missed preparatory training, but previously Slot's Liverpool appeared so effective at controlling matches and that is no longer the situation.

It seemed like their defensive shape was sound, and Slot's more ball-retention approach provided greater control.

It was an aspect that observers immediately saw he had added to the team, compared to what it was like under the former coach.

Now, though, I watch them and it appears a bit disorganized. The final 30 minutes of the Chelsea match was so frenetic it resembled a knockout game – they had chances to secure victory, but conceded several chances too, which is why they ultimately losing.

{How Can The Manager Fix Liverpool Issues?

We can identify a several aspects that are not right about Liverpool, and repeatedly notice them giving the ball away, but this is not an hopeless scenario.

Even though Liverpool have some new additions – and different types too – they don't need to alter their playing style. They simply require to return to being slightly more composed and composed.

Good aspect is they are only one point behind table-toppers the front-runners and have time to fix the things that are underperforming.

Fitness aspect they are lacking will come as the players who did not have a proper pre-season, like key attackers and full-backs, will attain optimal condition soon.

Building proper relationships on the pitch always takes time too, whether it be between the defender and Salah or additional key pairings.

Therefore, there is no need to overreact. It feels like at the moment in the Premier League, and not just with Liverpool but with every side, you are a single match away from 'crisis' and criticism.

The truth is the recent results to Liverpool recently will likely happen at some stage to other contenders and Manchester City this season.

I didn't previously thought that side would be in the title race, but if a key attacker stays motivated and fit they will compete.

The London club, in defence, look excellent again and, overall, after seven games they appear very assured in their performances in all areas – it looks like a continuation of their previous form, with an added dose of quality and depth.

With Liverpool it seems more of a rebuild at present. But while there is still work to do for them to establish the right equilibrium and partnerships, it is expected all expects them to improve as the season unfolds.