Danny Murphy’s Verdict: Salah’s “Little Problem” Exposes Liverpool’s Bigger One
Liverpool, October 8, 2025 – Danny Murphy, the Liverpool midfield warrior whose grit and guile defined the club’s early-2000s revival, has fired a broadside that’s shaken Anfield. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast, the 48-year-old—part of the Reds’ 2005 Champions League-winning squad—called Mohamed Salah “a little problem” in Arne Slot’s system, a phrase that has since gone viral with more than two million streams.
“It’s not the end of the world, but it’s a niggle that’s becoming a wound,” Murphy said. “Mo’s always been a finisher, but defensively he’s a liability now, and that’s costing Liverpool big. This analysis is spot-on—ignore it, and the title’s gone.”
Murphy’s words landed like a thunderclap as Liverpool reeled from three straight defeats. His critique—rooted in tactics, numbers, and hard-earned intuition—felt less like punditry and more like prophecy.
From Crown to Crisis
Just months after Jürgen Klopp’s fairy-tale farewell with the 2024-25 Premier League title, Liverpool entered this campaign as favourites. Salah, then 33 and fresh from 32 goals and 22 assists, was expected to lead the charge. Yet by October he had only three goals and three assists in 10 league matches, his goals-per-90 down to 0.31 from 0.92.
Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea told the story. Salah did score the equaliser from Cody Gakpo’s cut-back, but his overall impact was minimal: just 42 touches (his fewest ever in a full league start), 15 turnovers, and zero defensive actions. When Estêvão Willian struck the stoppage-time winner from Cole Palmer’s pass, Alejandro Garnacho had already run riot down Liverpool’s right—Salah’s zone—leaving Conor Bradley exposed and substituted at half-time.
Murphy’s Tactical Diagnosis
Drawing on his own battles against elite attackers, Murphy pinpointed the structural flaw.
“Slot’s high line and aggressive press are great ideas, but Mo’s not built for it anymore,” he explained. “He’s static, waiting for service like it’s 2018, not tracking runners. Against Chelsea, Cucurella had him in his pocket because Salah wouldn’t chase back. That leaves your full-back alone and turns possession into counter-attacks. It’s a little problem—but in tight games, it’s massive.”
The data supports him: Salah’s average distance covered is down 12 percent to 9.2 km per match, and his pressure regains per 90 have fallen 28 percent to 4.1. Opta’s models show Liverpool concede 0.7 expected goals from right-side transitions each game with Salah on the pitch—double last season’s figure.
“He’s still the king,” Murphy added, “but kings need courtiers. Without Trent [Alexander-Arnold, now at Real Madrid], there’s no creativity feeding him. Slot’s got to adapt—or bench him to make the point.”
Echoes Around the Game
Murphy’s critique struck a chord across football media. Wayne Rooney warned on his podcast that Salah is “about to get dropped.” Jamie Carragher agreed: “Danny’s nailed it. Salah’s goals hide the drop-off—defensively, it’s a problem.” Even Jamie Redknapp, one of Salah’s defenders, conceded: “It’s a system-fit issue. Mo’s not pressing like Díaz or Núñez.”
For Murphy, the message is evolution, not execution. “I had to change my game under Rafa Benítez,” he reflected. “At 33, pride won’t win titles. Slot’s too nice—give Mo a rest against Arsenal after the break. It might reset him.”
Slot’s Balancing Act
Slot handled the criticism diplomatically. “Danny knows this club,” he told reporters before the international break. “His points are valid. Mo’s our talisman, but balance is crucial. We’re adjusting—more midfield cover on the right, maybe rotations with Chiesa.”
Still, actions speak louder: Salah has been subbed off in 70 percent of second halves this season, and whispers suggest another benching could come in the upcoming Champions League tie with Galatasaray. Off the field, contract talks have stalled amid renewed Saudi interest and rumoured £1 million-per-week offers from Al-Nassr. Social media reflects the divide—#DropSalah versus #MoForever—but Murphy’s calm rationale cuts through: “Love him, but love the team more. Fix this now.”
A Club at a Crossroads
Liverpool sit third, six points behind Manchester City, having conceded seven goals in their last three matches. New signing Florian Wirtz has yet to score, Darwin Núñez remains erratic, and the team’s xG differential has dropped 15 percent when Salah starts. Murphy’s assessment frames it as a necessary evolution: “Mo’s legacy is secure. But football doesn’t wait. Slot must channel this moment—or risk history repeating.”
As Salah joins Egypt for international duty, the break offers time for reflection. Yet Murphy’s “little problem” analysis lingers like a warning siren. Ignore it, and Liverpool’s title dream could fade as swiftly as their form.
For now, the decision rests with Arne Slot: protect the legend, or preserve the system.
