Arne Slot’s tactics at Feyenoord may suggest that the Dutchman could deploy Mohamed Salah as a false nine at Liverpool. Much has been made of how the new Reds boss will use club icon Salah this season.
The Egyptian spent most of Jurgen Klopp’s reign on the right of a front three, although positional maps often showed him as the most furthest forward player. Playing on the right allowed Salah to cut inside onto his stronger right foot – something that saw him score many of his Liverpool goals.
Salah has previously played on the left and through the middle of the attack throughout his career. It is in the centre where he may find himself under Slot.
At Feyenoord, the 45-year-old tended to prefer fast wingers who were positioned high and wide. Using Salah in such a role could hinder his performances, preventing him from coming inside.
Rather than failing to use Salah entirely, Slot could decide that the 32-year-old’s future lies in the middle of the front three. His link-up play, clever movement and experience make him an ideal candidate for a responsibility previously harboured by Roberto Firmino at Anfield.
Salah coming deeper to receive possession would allow Liverpool’s wingers to sprint beyond him. Cody Gakpo is almost certain to start on the left following his excellent performances for the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Pep Guardiola made the false nine role famous during his time at Barcelona, deploying Lionel Messi in the position to give him the freedom to roam around while the wingers remained high and wide.
If Salah does move inside, the move could point to why Liverpool have been linked with several wingers this summer. Nico Williams and Takefusa Kubo are both believed to be of interest to the Premier League club.
Williams could leave Athletic Bilbao this summer and has a release clause of only £49million. Spain’s Euro 2024 hero also has interest from other Premier League clubs and top teams from around Europe, including Barcelona.
Reports in the Japanese media suggested that Liverpool were closing in on a move for speedy Real Sociedad star Kubo, although those claims appear to have been premature. Liverpool already have Salah, Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota as players who can all play out wide.
How Liverpool line up under Slot this season will be a particularly intriguing story line. He has promised evolution, rather than revolution, from the Klopp era and might not move too far away from his predecessor’s 4-3-3 formation.
