Liverpool’s rocky start to their Champions League campaign took another hit with a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray, raising concerns among fans and pundits alike. Questions are mounting over their summer signings, squad depth, and most notably, the absence of a key creative force behind Mohamed Salah’s success — Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Salah Missing Alexander-Arnold’s Influence
Mohamed Salah’s subdued performances have sparked debate, with former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders suggesting that the Egyptian star is missing his on-field chemistry with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Speaking on talkSPORT, Saunders argued that Trent’s vision and pinpoint passing were instrumental in unlocking defenses, allowing Salah to exploit space with perfectly timed runs.
“Trent would often tell Salah to make a run before the ball even came to him. That connection — those disguised passes — they’re missing now,” Saunders said. “He’s not just a right-back, he’s arguably one of the best passers in world football.”
Pundit Jamie O’Hara agreed, noting that current full-back Jeremie Frimpong offers a different style — more direct and dribble-focused — which doesn’t necessarily suit Salah’s game. “Frimpong wants to carry the ball forward. Trent was more calculated, almost like a playmaker from the back,” O’Hara added.
Back-to-Back Defeats Raise Red Flags
Liverpool’s latest setback in Turkey comes just days after a dramatic 2-1 Premier League loss to Crystal Palace, where they conceded a last-minute goal. Despite a strong start to the season, these consecutive defeats have amplified existing concerns about the Reds’ overall balance.
Many had previously questioned whether Liverpool’s early-season wins — particularly their narrow escape against Newcastle — masked underlying issues. Against Galatasaray, their midfield appeared disconnected, and the defense struggled to cope with pressure, especially after Victor Osimhen’s decisive penalty.
Summer Signings Under the Microscope
Liverpool’s high-profile summer signings — including Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak — have yet to fully justify their price tags. O’Hara voiced doubts over the defensive upgrades in particular, singling out Frimpong, Kerkez, and Ibrahima Konaté.
“That backline doesn’t scream improvement,” he remarked. “Wirtz and Isak will come good, no doubt, but the defensive setup still looks vulnerable — it’s not what we’ve seen from Liverpool in previous seasons.”
Squad Rotation and Preseason Concerns
Manager Arne Slot defended his rotation policy amid the criticism, citing the lack of preseason preparation for several key players. He explained that players like Hugo Ekitike, Alexis Mac Allister, and Conor Bradley weren’t physically ready to handle three full matches in a week.
“It’s not just about wanting to rotate — sometimes it’s a necessity,” Slot explained. “If a player didn’t have a full preseason, playing them nonstop becomes a major injury risk. That’s the balance we’re trying to manage.”
Slot acknowledged the challenge of managing a smaller squad — especially when injuries strike — but maintained that a leaner roster helps build cohesion, even if it means relying on youngsters like Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni in tight situations.
A Team in Transition
Liverpool’s recent defeats serve as a reminder that they are still a team in transition under new management. While the potential is there — especially with exciting talents like Wirtz and Isak — the current issues in defense, midfield fluidity, and the tactical impact of missing Trent Alexander-Arnold cannot be ignored.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Slot adjusts and whether Salah can rediscover his spark without his most trusted supply line.
