Liverpool have not one, but two chances to win this week’s football match. However, this is only half of the four consecutive losses that derailed the Arne Slot project.
What a fickle thing football is. Yesterday’s heroes are today’s villains and Liverpool know they need to show a sharp return to form as their Premier League title defense crumbles before their eyes.
This seems pretty dramatic, but the Reds are plagued by problems. The problem is clearly illustrated by the dismal statistic of 21 goals scored in 2025/26. On the other hand, league leaders Arsenal have conceded three goals in all competitions.
The forwards aren’t firing on all cylinders either, and despite a record summer outlay, it’s now truly accepted that Liverpool have a widespread tactical imbalance, but as Slott himself admits, they don’t have the answers.
What Liverpool, Slott and their supporters need to rise out of this rut is a talisman, something that will lead the charge through the many obstacles. Will it be Mohamed Salah again?
Mohamed Salah’s role this season
This was undoubtedly the most difficult period of Salah’s Liverpool career. The 33-year-old has faced heavy criticism for a quiet and ineffective performance on the right wing, where he looked a shadow of his usual self.
It’s unfair that last year’s great achievements have been relegated to the background due to the fickleness of the football world. Salah took Slott’s early project to the pinnacle of English football, smashing records throughout the Premier League season, scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists. The other path is a lift that takes you even higher.
But equally, having watched this legendary forward struggle against the tide, we can’t ignore the Egyptian’s struggle. Four goals and three assists in 13 games is shocking by Salah’s standards, but it’s the wasted chances and lack of fluidity that is incredible.
Still, if there’s one guy who can get back on track, it’s him. Salah’s devastating goal against Brentford last weekend was a timely reminder of his greatness.
Sure, the £400,000-a-week superstar will continue to play that role this year, but Liverpool need a new leader.
Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isaku have been signed to take over the goal-getting baton, but Slott has another player who is proving to be his talisman to get them out of this mess.
Liverpool’s new version of Salah
If Liverpool’s current ‘crisis’, as defined by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, is to ease in time for a successful season, it is clear that leaders are needed, and not just in the forward area.
Virgil van Dijk has come under fire for his recent performances, but he still energizes the defense and roars on the field as the club’s captain.
However, it is Dominik Szoboszlai who is emerging as the new leading man. He has been regarded as the Anfield team’s best player in a variety of positions this season, which is equally impressive and concerning.
It’s been more than two years since 25-year-old Szoboszlei moved to Merseyside from RB Leipzig for £60 million, and he has provided plenty of energy and tenacity from the start.
Szoboszlai is not naturally a prolific player in front of goal, and Slott’s decision to bring him deeper proved to be successful, as this deep position brings out many of his other qualities.
The Hungarian national team captain, described by analyst Raj Chohan as “Liverpool’s best player at the moment,” has improved his technical skills and developed his defensive game, improving his game.
Led by Dominik Szoboszlai and Arne Slott (Prem) | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per match) | 24/25 | 25/26 |
Match (start) | 36(29) | 9(9) |
the goal | 6 | 1 |
assist | 6 | 1 |
touch* | 46.1 | 86.2 |
Exact path* | 29.6 (86%) | 53.3 (86%) |
Key pass* | 1.6 | 1.4 |
Dribble (successful)* | 0.6 (55%) | 0.8 (54%) |
collect* | 3.7 | 6.2 |
Tackle + Interception* | 1.4 | 3.0 |
clearance* | 0.4 | 3.0 |
Duel (win)* | 2.8 (43%) | 4.7 (55%) |
Data via Sofascore | ||
The data shows that Szoboszlai is progressing this season with more strength and perfection than in previous years. His physicality and ability to create and provide dynamism in the build-up is something that Alexis Mac Allister is said to be unable to match, and Szoboszlai is head and shoulders above his team-mates in this regard.
Once Liverpool stabilize, Szoboszlai will be able to take his game to the next level and still push things forward, but it seems very likely that he will be surrounded by overall ability that just doesn’t exist at the moment.
Football is unforgiving. You can’t ride on the benefits of the club’s previous success and stand on the shoulders of giants who have the potential to remain in the first team.
Liverpool have always needed an adaptation period, but it was clear that this season would be a transitional one, lacking the fluency and flash of muscle movement of the 2024/25 season, as Slott grabbed and sustained the last embers of Jurgen Klopp’s legacy.
Szoboszlai has shaped his game into something more slot-like, while retaining all of the high-octane qualities that go along with Klopp. In other words, he’s more complete than ever and far ahead of his struggling teammates.
Slott needs to devise a solution to this pitfall that Liverpool have fallen into. So many players across the field are going to have to step up.
Szoboszlai could not be in a higher position than he is now, and if the Reds are to turn the corner it will be largely down to the quality, courage and fortitude of the Hungarian car.
