Liverpool manager Arne Slot made a surprising change to his lineup in Sunday's clash against West Ham, signaling a bold tactical shift.
Mohamed Salah was named on the bench for Liverpool’s trip to the London Stadium, with Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, and Alexander Isak starting up front. The move comes as Liverpool looks to halt a poor run of form, following a 4-1 home defeat to PSV in the Champions League midweek. Despite criticism over his performances this season, Salah remains the Reds’ second-highest scorer behind new signing Hugo Ekitike.
It was expected that Wirtz would play off the right, but it was Dominik Szoboszlai in that position with Wirtz in the number 10 role.
Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live at London Stadium said: “Looking at Liverpool, they've have set up differently.
"I think Szoboszlai is coming from the right, and Wirtz is in that 10 role with Gakpo on the left. That's how it looks at the moment.”
Slot has shared his reasoning for leaving Salah on the bench, providing insight into his decision-making ahead of the game. Speaking to Sky Sports, Slot said: "We play four games in 10 days. I have many good players and today, I chose a different line-up.
"Sometimes, Florian and Alex have been on the bench. It is also about the players who start, and that is the 11 I chose."
Slot’s choice follows Wayne Rooney’s suggestion that Liverpool should bench Salah, as the talisman has struggled this season despite signing a lucrative new contract in the summer.
In a recent podcast episode, Rooney said: "If I was Slot, I'd try and make a big decision just so it has an impact on the rest of the team. Salah is not helping them defensively.
Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz was expected to play on the right wing (Image: Getty Images)
"If you're one of the players who they've signed and you're on the bench and you've seen him not running - and again he's a club legend and everything he's done for the club - but if you're on the bench, then what message does that send to you?"
Slot also opted to reintroduce Joe Gomez into the starting XI.
On the decision the Dutchman said: "We have conceded far too many goals. That isn't about the right-back position, everyone is involved, but with Joe we bring in a full-back who is normally a center-back.
"After conceding 10 goals, I have decided to play with four real defenders, where in the past we have played with midfielders.
"Curtis and Dom have done a more than acceptable job in that position, but Joe is someone who has played that position many times during his career."