1 week ago
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Andy Robertson has pinpointed the key issue plaguing Arne Slot's faltering Liverpool squad.
The Reds have secured just a single win from their last six matches. Following a superb start to the season, the defending Premier League champions have suffered a dramatic collapse. Slot's players have dropped vital points in the title race, with their latest 3-2 defeat against Brentford seeing them slip outside the top four.
Experienced left-back Robertson offered a scathing verdict on the loss following his introduction after 60 minutes, replacing new signing Milos Kerkez. Liverpool's squad has undergone substantial changes this summer, and a "selfish" admission from the Scotland captain back in 2020 could shed light on the team's present difficulties.
Five years ago, Liverpool's attacking trio was hailed for its excellence.
Salah was undoubtedly the star performer, though he commanded attention alongside Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. This forward line drove the Reds to Premier League success under Jurgen Klopp during the 2019-20 season.
Salah found the net repeatedly throughout this period, but not everyone commended his style of play. Numerous observers branded him selfish, prompting Robertson to defend what he believed was unfair scrutiny.
Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO at the time, he said: "The relationship [between the front players] off the pitch is really strong, and on the pitch, the link-up play and everything is always good. But these players are also paid to be selfish, and we need them to score goals and take risks in the final third. When they are in front of goal, we expect them to shoot and score.
"There have been certain occasions where people say Bobby [Firmino] could have passed, Sadio could have passed, or Mo could have passed, but these guys are paid money to make split-second decisions and score goals for us. Their relationship is really strong just like every other relationship in the squad and that is why over the last couple of years we have been quite successful. You get nowhere without these relationships."
It could be argued that Liverpool's present squad is lacking such cohesion. Consider the team's result against Brentford, for example.
The Reds' forward line contained two summer acquisitions. Hugo Ekitike, recruited from Frankfurt during the summer window, spearheaded the attack with fellow new arrival Florian Wirtz positioned in support.
Cody Gakpo was stationed on the left wing, having arriving at Anfield in 2023. Salah prowled the right side. Among the replacements, teenage talent Rio Ngumoha, another 2025 addition, and Federico Chiesa, who arrived last year, both made appearances.
Alexander Isak continues his road to full fitness, but the summer recruit will integrate into the attacking unit upon his return.
Liverpool's upcoming games don't promise any respite. The Reds are due to play Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup next, followed by a Premier League match against Aston Villa at Anfield. After that, Slot's players will host Real Madrid before heading to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City.
Robertson will be hoping that by the time these tough matches arrive, Liverpool's forwards will have regained the intuitive understanding that once drove them to success.
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