Arne Slot Faces Four Critical Challenges as Liverpool's Form Nosedives
Arne Slot experienced a brilliant inaugural season with Liverpool, but the dreaded second-year curse has struck the Dutch manager hard.
Many believed that Liverpool's massive summer investment would render them unstoppable in their quest to retain the Premier League title and collect additional trophies, yet modern football has repeatedly demonstrated that costly acquisitions don't guarantee instant triumph.
Liverpool currently face a crisis following five losses in six games and four straight Premier League defeats. Luck hasn't been a factor in the Reds' decline, as their displays have been simply inadequate and reeking of overconfidence.
Liverpool must reverse their fortunes quickly to prevent an early-season stumble from destroying their entire campaign, with mounting pressure on Slot to address the numerous problems at Merseyside.
Here are four urgent issues Slot must resolve in the upcoming weeks.
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Catastrophic Backline
Liverpool's most evident vulnerability has clearly been their defensive unit this campaign. While their talented attacking lineup has occasionally disappointed, it's mainly the poor showing from their defensive players that has caused their dramatic decline in form and results compared to last season's champions.
Several factors have contributed: Alisson's recent hamstring problem, Ibrahima Konaté's collapse, instability in the fullback positions, and insufficient depth at center-back. Liverpool have been worryingly vulnerable consequently, managing only two shutouts across all competitions this season and merely five since March.
Their capacity to dominate opponents and tendency for late strikes secured a victorious campaign start, but their offensive prowess has been unable to compensate for a fragile defense recently. They have been consistently exploited by teams prepared to attack with pace and strength, particularly on counter-attacks, as shown in recent defeats to Manchester United and Brentford.
Liverpool recorded more clean sheets than any Premier League team last season, and Slot received praise for his match management abilities. A more controlled approach was credited with improved defensive stability, but adding two highly offensive fullbacks and adopting a more attack-minded strategy has left the Reds exposed.
Slot simply cannot maintain the current situation, requiring modifications to strengthen the defense. Liverpool must return to fundamentals, defending with numbers and unwavering concentration. Specific players also need to elevate their performance to help the Reds halt their decline.
Alexis Mac Allister's Struggles
Ryan Gravenberch rightfully earned acclaim last season following his remarkable evolution into a dynamic defensive midfielder, but Liverpool still depended on Alexis Mac Allister to control the rhythm in midfield. The Argentine is a brilliant orchestrator who guides the Reds' offensive movements with accuracy, rarely losing possession due to his exceptional touch and passing ability.
Mac Allister is also surprisingly tenacious defensively. He commits to challenges, anticipates threats, and shields the back four efficiently alongside Gravenberch. However, Liverpool have lost their key player this season due to injury concerns, fitness issues, and questionable form.
Similar to many previously reliable teammates, Mac Allister has performed well below his standards this campaign. Availability has been problematic following injury troubles at last season's end and during pre-season preparation, with the Argentine unable to regain his rhythm. He's featured in 12 Liverpool matches across all competitions but has only played beyond 70 minutes twice.
Mac Allister's inconsistent season start has contributed to Liverpool's lackluster displays and defensive vulnerability. With Gravenberch also battling injury recently, a midfield partnership of Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai has predictably failed to provide adequate protection in the center.
Liverpool require Mac Allister to return to his exceptional form—urgently.
The Mohamed Salah Dilemma
Mohamed Salah drove Slot's remarkable first season. The Egyptian experienced his most productive creative campaign with 23 assists and his second-highest scoring season, netting 34 times across all competitions. He was, predictably, awarded the 2024–25 Premier League Player of the Season honor.
Salah earned a new two-year deal for his outstanding displays, ending speculation about leaving Anfield, but the 33-year-old's form has plummeted since signing the contract. Seven goal contributions this season appears misleading, as his performances have been significantly below his typical excellence.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit has undoubtedly diminished Salah's influence, as the pair combined effectively when operating down the right flank, but the fundamental mistakes the veteran is making cannot be justified by tactical or personnel changes this season.
Salah has been unusually careless with the ball. The forward's first touch has been poor, his passing obvious and uninspiring, and his typical clinical finishing absent. He's wasted five clear opportunities this season in the Premier League, with only two players missing more—one being Erling Haaland, who has already netted 11 league goals.
Liverpool have become dependent not only on Salah's scoring ability but also his capacity to create for others. He's evolved into a complete threat for the Reds with his pace, strength, and accuracy, but these qualities have rarely appeared this season. Slot needs his star player to recover his form.
Struggling Summer Acquisitions
Liverpool invested a club-record amount during the summer and signed prominent players across various positions, spending over £200 million on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak alone. Theoretically, all their signings appeared excellent, with the Reds' respected recruitment department seldom making errors in the transfer market.
However, such significant changes in one window have proven more detrimental than beneficial so far. Among Liverpool's summer arrivals, only Hugo Ekitiké has met expectations, while players like Wirtz, Isak, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong have all encountered difficulties for various reasons.
Frimpong has been hampered by injuries, while his fellow fullback Kerkez has been inconsistent and rash. Isak is still building match sharpness after missing all of pre-season, and Wirtz has appeared overwhelmed by the Premier League's intensity and physicality, with Liverpool struggling to adjust to playing with a conventional attacking midfielder.
The mentioned quartet have shown minimal signs of settling in recent weeks, offering only brief flashes of their ability. Liverpool cannot afford to support four expensive underperformers while trying to improve their form, with Slot requiring greater contributions from his new players.
However, the Dutch manager must also determine the optimal way to deploy his signings. Liverpool's squad has been stable for two months, yet the Reds still lack clarity regarding team selection and tactical approach. Slot must find solutions immediately.