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Merseyside great questions Liverpool star’s work-rate after Chelsea loss

Originally posted on The Kop Times | By Shrishh Attavar | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 6:20 PM ET

Wayne Rooney highlights Liverpool star Mohamed Salah’s lack of defensive contribution in loss to Chelsea

Wayne Rooney has raised concerns over the work rate of Mohamed Salah following Liverpool FC’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Egyptian international has long been a talisman for the Reds, and his goalscoring exploits often let him off the hook when defensive duties slip.

However, Rooney rightly pointed out that in high-intensity matches like this one, forwards need to contribute more in defensive transitions to help the team maintain shape and reduce pressure on the backline.

While his attacking output remains world-class, the former England striker suggested that Salah could improve his contribution off the ball, particularly when the team is going through a transition in defence.

Here is what Rooney had to say via ECHO:

“I know he doesn’t always get back and defend as much, but in the Chelsea game, his full-back is getting torn apart, and he is watching.”

“Players like Van Dijk and Alisson, who I know wasn’t playing, but the leaders in the dressing room should be telling him you need to help him.”

“For me, that was a worry. He has looked a little bit lost the past week, in my opinion.”

Improving Salah’s defensive transitions would not only strengthen Liverpool’s overall structure but also reduce pressure on the full-backs and midfield during critical moments. With Ibrahima Konate also not in top-form, the right side of Liverpool is really vulnerable.

This is not a question of commitment but of timing and awareness. Salah is world-class in each and every aspect of his footballing, and he’s good in defensive transition too. Just that it has to happen more.

Incorporating a slightly more consistent defensive presence in transitional phases would make Liverpool’s forward line more complete and resilient against teams that counter quickly or press aggressively.

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For a player of Salah’s calibre, combining finishing prowess with better defensive transitions could be the key to unlocking an even higher level of team performance. The other wing as well, with a runner like Luis Diaz not at the club anymore, Cody Gakpo among others HAVE TO do the running around.

This article first appeared on The Kop Times and was syndicated with permission.

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