Liverpool's Challenge: Can They Replace Mo Salah's Brilliance?

Liverpool Faces Challenges Without Mo Salah

If Liverpool does eventually move on from Mo Salah, their recent win over Arsenal is a reminder of how difficult success will be without him. The team’s games in the US, lacking some of the club's biggest names, were designed as an opportunity for often-overlooked squad members to showcase their readiness for first-team football. However, it has become abundantly clear how integral Salah is to Liverpool’s success, especially considering his contract expires next summer.

Struggles in Philadelphia

In the initial moments of the game in Philadelphia, Liverpool struggled, gifting Arsenal two promising chances. But when Salah entered the scene, a palpable sense of inevitability swept through Lincoln Financial Field. His ability to be in the right place at the right time was a game-changer.

The Impact of Salah on Team Performance

While Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho showed glimpses of quality with a well-executed second goal, coach Arne Slot remarked that Elliott "could have done better" on a few occasions. The expectation for younger players to replicate Salah's brilliance can be unfair, as he consistently elevates the level of the team.

Concerns Ahead for Liverpool

As senior players like Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Darwin Nunez return from their holidays, it seems that the substitutes haven’t put any pressure on their starting positions. This could lead to significant financial outlay if Liverpool has to replace key players like Salah, Van Dijk, or Alexander-Arnold as their contracts come to an end next June.

Arsenal's Fresh Addition

In contrast, Arsenal concludes their pre-season tour of the United States with a fully fit squad and the addition of new signing Riccardo Calafiori. His impressive skills and work ethic have already made a positive impact on the team, as noted by Martin Odegaard.

Evaluating Young Talent

While Calafiori’s debut is eagerly anticipated, similar to Liverpool, there’s not an overwhelming sense of excitement from the younger players in the Arsenal squad. Pre-season matches, often lacking intensity, left fans wanting more in terms of emerging talent.

Looking Ahead to the New Season

Although both Liverpool and Arsenal may not have found the youthful talent ready to emerge in the first weeks of the season, the return of their Copa America and Euro 2024 stars should provide a boost to their campaigns.

Conclusion: The upcoming season poses significant challenges and opportunities for both Liverpool and Arsenal as they assess their squads and prepare for a competitive Premier League campaign.