Why Liverpool will benefit from Mohamed Salah’s AFCON absence | OneFootball

Forward Mohamed Salah has endured a miserable start to the season for Liverpool.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has highlighted his poor defensive contributions as a primary reason for Liverpool’s struggles this term.

Manager Arne Slot has found it difficult to drop him from the starting line-up, although he has left him on the bench twice in the Champions League.

The Dutch tactician’s refusal to bench his star forward has been described as a ‘big mistake‘.

However, with Salah set to represent Egypt at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Slot has the perfect opportunity to build a more balanced team.

Slot will have Federico Chiesa as the only senior natural right winger in his squad, although Jeremie Frimpong, Dominic Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo can also play in that position.

Chiesa has often been deployed as a striker since joining Liverpool, but may now have the opportunity to replace him in the starting line-up.

The Italy international has impressed on the few occasions he has played as Liverpool’s right winger, registering one goal and five assists in nine games.

While he is not as devastating as Salah, he provides right-back Conor Bradley with more protection and offers the team a better overall balance.

If the Italian impresses, Salah may not be guaranteed to win his place back when he returns from international duty.

Stats from transfermarkt.com.