Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah dominated the creativity in the final third in Europe’s top seven leagues this season
Liverpool star forward Mohamed Salah dominated the creative aspect of the game in Europe’s top seven leagues this season. Salah continued his prolific career for Liverpool, scoring numerous goals and adding creativity to his game by clinching numerous assists.
However, the Egypt captain faced a drastic dip in form during the latter stages of the season with serious consequences. Liverpool crashed out of the Europa League and the Premier League after the March International break, causing an anti-climactic end.
The 31-year-old changed his style of play last season, focusing more on the creativity and linkup play with his teammates. Salah stuck to a wide position during the defensive and the middle phases, only dropping inside in the attacking third.
He used his movements around the channels to provide crucial passes to his teammates or exploit the chances for himself. Due to ageing, Salah has suffered a slight drop in his pace that prompted these changes but he adapted brilliantly.
According to stat-based site Squawka, Salah created 22 big chances from open-play, the most in Europe’s top seven leagues. The Egypt captain made 44 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, contributing 25 goals and 14 assists last season.
New head coach Arne Slot could exploit the playmaking ability of Salah under his tactics that put importance on buildup. Liverpool have worked more as a direct and counter-attacking force under Jurgen Klopp so this change could benefit Salah.
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Slot deploys a 4-3-3 formation that uses two inside forwards and a number 10, putting importance on narrow congestion. The Dutchman deploys a creative wide forward in his formation as one of the inside forwards just like Salah played last season. The Egypt captain faced severe criticism during the latter stages of the season but this shift gives him a chance to prove his doubters wrong.
