Liverpool’s Selection Dilemma: Should Mohamed Salah Start Against Brentford or Has Arne Slot Found His New Formula
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After a bold tactical shift and a 5–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, Arne Slot’s Liverpool look revitalized. But with Mohamed Salah benched in Germany, should he return to the starting XI against Brentford, or has Slot finally found his winning formula?
A Brave Call That Changed Liverpool’s Fortunes
Liverpool’s 5–1 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League was more than just a convincing win — it was a statement of intent. After a difficult run of four consecutive defeats, new manager Arne Slot decided it was time to experiment.
His bold tactical choices — including benching star forward Mohamed Salah — surprised many fans and pundits. But they worked.
The Dutchman’s side looked fresh, fluid, and fearless, with summer signings Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz combining superbly in a new-look 4-2-2-2 formation.
Now, as Liverpool prepare to face Brentford in the Premier League, one burning question dominates the conversation:
Should Mohamed Salah return to the starting XI, or has Slot found the team’s new rhythm without him?
Slot’s Tactical Gamble in Frankfurt
When the team sheet dropped in Germany, it sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Salah, Liverpool’s talisman and top scorer for six consecutive seasons, was on the bench.
In his place, Slot opted for an aggressive, two-striker setup with Isak and Ekitike leading the line and Florian Wirtz tucked in behind them as a creative engine. The midfield double pivot of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai provided balance, while the full-backs pushed high to exploit the flanks.
It was a risk — one that could have backfired spectacularly.
But instead, Liverpool produced their most dominant performance in months.
Isak and Ekitike linked beautifully in the final third, Wirtz dictated play with his flair and vision, and the pressing intensity — a hallmark of Slot’s philosophy — returned in full force.
Even without their Egyptian superstar, Liverpool looked dynamic, disciplined, and dangerous.
The Results Speak for Themselves
For Slot, this wasn’t just a tactical success — it was vindication.
Liverpool had been struggling. Their defeat to Manchester United marked their fourth consecutive loss in all competitions, sparking widespread criticism. Many questioned whether Slot, still new to the Premier League, could manage the weight of expectation that comes with succeeding Jürgen Klopp.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher had even suggested on Monday Night Football that Salah’s place shouldn’t be “guaranteed” anymore, urging Slot to rethink how he fits his star players into a balanced system.
That debate reached fever pitch in Frankfurt — and Slot’s decision gave a definitive answer, at least for one night.
Liverpool were rampant. The goals flowed. The team looked liberated.
Even Salah, watching from the bench, couldn’t have disagreed with the result.
Isak and Ekitike: A New Dynamic Duo
The biggest takeaway from the Frankfurt win was the chemistry between Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
Isak’s intelligent movement and clinical finishing perfectly complemented Ekitike’s energy and creativity. The pair played off each other with confidence, pulling defenders out of position and creating space for runners like Wirtz and Szoboszlai.
Before picking up a minor injury in the second half, Isak had already scored and assisted, proving why Liverpool spent big on him in the summer transfer window.
Ekitike, too, showcased his versatility — drifting wide, pressing high, and linking play in a way that allowed Slot’s system to breathe.
For the first time in weeks, Liverpool’s attack looked unpredictable and multi-dimensional.
And crucially, it didn’t rely solely on Salah.
The Salah Question: To Start or to Sit?
This brings us to the heart of the debate: what happens now?
Salah is, without question, one of Liverpool’s greatest players in history. His record — 211 goals in 346 appearances — speaks for itself. Even in his thirties, he remains a world-class performer, capable of changing games in an instant.
But football evolves. Teams evolve. And even legends must sometimes adapt.
Arne Slot’s 4-2-2-2 system doesn’t naturally accommodate wide forwards like Salah. Instead, it prioritizes central overloads, quick passing lanes, and a double-striker setup.
Slot’s challenge now is to decide whether to revert to a more traditional 4-3-3 to fit Salah in — or to keep faith in a structure that delivered one of Liverpool’s best performances of the season.
It’s a delicate balancing act between loyalty to the past and commitment to the future.
Jamie Carragher’s Warning
Speaking after the United defeat, Jamie Carragher was one of the first to publicly question Salah’s automatic selection status.
“Salah shouldn’t be guaranteed a starting place,” Carragher said. “Liverpool have too much attacking depth now. Slot needs to find the right blend, not just fit in the biggest names.”
Carragher even floated the idea of pairing Isak and Ekitike together — a prediction that came true in Frankfurt.
He later clarified that Dominik Szoboszlai would remain in his ideal lineup, emphasizing how hard Slot’s selection decisions have become.
The underlying message was clear: Liverpool are transitioning into a new era — and every position, even Salah’s, is up for grabs.
The Wirtz Factor
Among all the new arrivals, Florian Wirtz might be the most transformative.
At just 22, the German midfielder has quickly become Liverpool’s creative heartbeat. His ability to carry the ball through midfield, find gaps between lines, and deliver incisive passes makes him indispensable to Slot’s evolving system.
Against Frankfurt, Wirtz was everywhere — dictating tempo, pressing intelligently, and linking up beautifully with Isak.
His presence also reduces Liverpool’s dependence on Salah for creativity and goals. With Wirtz orchestrating play and Szoboszlai adding dynamism, Slot’s attack looks less predictable — and more dangerous.
Arne Slot’s Tactical Philosophy
To understand Slot’s decisions, one must understand his footballing ideology.
At Feyenoord, Slot built teams that pressed aggressively, dominated possession, and thrived on tactical fluidity. He’s not afraid to drop big names if it means maintaining the system’s integrity.
He wants positional balance over individual brilliance. Every player must serve a collective purpose — from pressing triggers to transitional play.
That approach was evident in Frankfurt. Every Liverpool player had a defined role. The structure was tight, the press synchronized, and the attack cohesive.
It wasn’t about names — it was about function.
And for now, it worked beautifully.
What About Brentford?
Saturday’s clash against Brentford presents a new test.
Unlike Frankfurt, Thomas Frank’s team thrive on defensive organization and counterattacks. They’ll sit deep, absorb pressure, and punish mistakes with pace on the break.
This kind of match often demands patience — and creativity from wide areas. That’s where Salah’s skillset could prove invaluable.
Slot might therefore consider reinstating him to add unpredictability and finishing power.
But doing so means adjusting the shape — likely reverting to a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 — and possibly dropping one of the two strikers.
Would Slot sacrifice momentum for familiarity? Or would he trust his new system to handle Brentford’s physical style?
That’s the tactical dilemma facing him.
The Case for Salah’s Return
No matter how effective Liverpool were in Germany, Salah’s influence cannot be dismissed.
He remains Liverpool’s top scorer this season and a consistent match-winner in the Premier League. His ability to exploit defensive gaps, create chances from nothing, and lead by example has rescued Liverpool countless times.
Slot could use him strategically — perhaps as a false nine or as part of a front two with Isak or Ekitike. Salah’s intelligence and work rate mean he could adapt if given a slightly different role.
After all, even the most successful systems need flexibility.
The Case for Sticking with the New Formula
On the other hand, Slot’s decision to drop Salah proved that no player is bigger than the team.
Liverpool’s win in Frankfurt wasn’t just about tactics — it was about freedom. Without the need to funnel everything through Salah, the attack became more balanced and unpredictable.
It also sent a powerful message to the squad: performance, not reputation, dictates selection.
For a new manager trying to establish authority and identity, that’s vital.
What the Fans Are Saying
Unsurprisingly, Liverpool fans are divided.
Some argue that Salah’s experience and leadership are irreplaceable, especially in high-pressure league games. Others believe the team looked more cohesive without him and that Slot should continue building for the future.
Social media polls after the Frankfurt game showed a roughly 60/40 split — with a slight majority favoring Slot’s new setup, at least for now.
What’s certain is that Liverpool’s supporters appreciate Slot’s bravery. After years of seeing the same 4-3-3 under Klopp, change — even controversial change — feels refreshing.
A Defining Moment for Arne Slot
For Arne Slot, Saturday’s game against Brentford could mark a turning point in his tenure.
Stick with the formula, and he doubles down on evolution. Bring Salah back, and he signals pragmatism and respect for a club legend.
Either way, the decision will define how his Liverpool is perceived — as either a continuation of the old era or the dawn of a new one.
If the Frankfurt performance was a glimpse of what’s possible, then Slot may just have found his formula. But the Premier League’s demands are relentless, and Brentford will provide a very different kind of challenge.
Conclusion: A New Liverpool Is Emerging
Regardless of who starts against Brentford, one thing is clear — Arne Slot’s Liverpool are beginning to take shape.
The tactical flexibility, the hunger from new signings, and the manager’s willingness to make tough calls suggest a team in transition — but heading in the right direction.
For Mohamed Salah, this moment may serve as both a challenge and an opportunity: to reinvent himself once again and prove he can thrive in any system.
And for Liverpool fans, it’s an exciting time. The club is evolving, experimenting, and — most importantly — winning again.
Whether or not Salah starts on Saturday, Slot’s revolution has officially begun.
