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It's been a period, but Liverpool's forward was back assuming the main part last week with a double in Casablanca that secured the Egyptian team's position at the 2026 World Cup. The main man taking center stage once more. The Reds must have him to stay there.

Causes for Unsteady Showings

There are numerous reasons why variable, unconvincing showings have been the common thread defining Liverpool's start to their title defence, whether they produced seven straight victories or, before Manchester United's trip to Anfield on the weekend, a losing run. The upheaval from numerous summer changes, Arne Slot's search for his ideal lineup, Diogo Jota's loss; the winger has experienced the consequences of them all during his unusually low-key beginning to the season.

The Weekend's Showpiece Occasion

The weekend's showpiece occasion could offer the spark for the cause of a record 16 strikes in 17 appearances for the club against Manchester United, who are paying their 100th appearance to Anfield and have not triumphed at their archrivals for more than nine years. Salah will present the manager with a further unforeseen dilemma, yet, if he continue lost in the turmoil much longer.

Recent Form

Liverpool's boss likely recognized the irony of the player's initial score against Djibouti last Wednesday. Swept immediately with the exterior of his stronger foot inside the close post, Salah's eighth strike of Egypt's qualifying effort originated from an almost identical position to his expensive error versus Chelsea before the break for internationals.

Had that shot with his right been finished moments after the resumption at Stamford Bridge we would even now be celebrating Florian Wirtz's maiden excellent assist in the Premier League. Analyses into Salah's dip and the team's infrequent losing streak might also have been avoided. Rather, Wirtz's wait persists while Slot fumes over a third loss on the road, a couple caused by late goals and another the outcome of a controversial spot-kick. Fine lines, as he repeated on Friday, but they cannot hide larger problems.

Last Season's Influence

Salah was instrumental in pushing Liverpool towards a tying 20th league title the prior campaign while uncertainty over his career lingered in the backdrop. We achieved nearly the best out of Salah this season,” said Slot when his leading striker signed an extension in the spring. There has been a obvious drop-off on an individual and team level since. The team, not the terms of a contract, are responsible.

Performance Decrease

His production in terms of goals and assists is reduced 50% on the same point last season, from a total 8 in the first seven league games of 2024-25 to 4 (two goals and two assists) this term. His tally of shots has decreased from twenty-two to twelve while accurate shots have fallen from 15 to five, contributing to a significant drop in conversion rate (excluding blocks) from 78.9 percent to 55.6 percent, statistics show.

One attribute that has held more steady is Salah's playmaking. With twelve chances created, compared with fourteen at the comparable period of last campaign, his stats remain among the top in the continent and comparable in the group of young talents and Arda Güler, his juniors by 15 and 13 years respectively.

Collective Output

Indicators of team output will trouble Slot further. He had 76 contacts in the enemy box in the opening seven matches of last season. This season's total is thirty-nine. The stats are indicative of the team's issues in general. Just United and Arsenal have taken a greater number of attempts on goal than them this season, but the team's rate of attempts from inside the six-yard box is the smallest in the top flight, their share from long range among the top. Liverpool's rate of shots on target – 28.4% – is as well among the lowest in the league.

During the initial phase of last season we mainly scored from a special moment from a forward and in the second half it was more from a set piece,” Slot said. “Currently we lack as numerous sparks of quality and we have not found the net from set pieces. But we are nonetheless the team that from general play generates the highest expected goals opportunities.”

Recent Additions

They aren't punishing foes in the way Slot planned when Wirtz, the French forward and Alexander Isak were acquired in the offseason, though the team remain the league's joint third-highest scorers. A draw on Sunday would be sufficient for Slot to reach the 100-point total in less games than any boss in the club's history (46). Imagine what his offense will do when it finally gels. Liverpool are still a team of supreme talent, able to starting and reeling in any opponent for the title, but cohesion is missing. This cannot be blamed on the summer recruits by themselves.

Individual and Collective Problems

Salah is not the only key member to experience a dip, with Alexis Mac Allister returning to fitness and Ibrahima Konaté struggling. But he ends up at the core of the upheaval that has lately enveloped the club. This applies to a personal level, with his grief over the loss of Diogo Jota clear on that poignant first game against the Cherries. The effect of his loss can not be measured nor ignored.

Tactical Adjustments

Last season, he