Alan Pardew says Liverpool have a £34m player who is 'becoming an issue' defensively now

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool’s defence has looked exposed ever since the first game of the season.The Reds are really struggling right now at both ends of the pitch, but the leaky defence will be the biggest concern.Liverpool have conceded nine goals in seven games, seven more than they let in this time last season and proving where the bulk of their issues lie.Not only is this the defence’s fault, though, the players in front of them have their role to play too, with the attackers needing to help out in transition as much as possible. Former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was quick to agree, with the Englishman believing that one star is becoming a liability for those around him.Photo by Robin Jones/Getty ImagesMohamed Salah needs to defend moreIn previous years, Mohamed Salah’s attacking output has been second-to-none, with the Egyptian causing defences all sorts of problems.Under Arne Slot, this threat only got greater as the Dutchman instructed his star player to defend less, and stay forward, ensuring he is ready for a quick counter-attack.Although this worked to good effect last season, it has caused an issue so far this campaign as Liverpool are more exposed, with Pardew believing that Salah’s positioning is now becoming a real problem.

“Salah, who comes in for so much criticism across the press for his defensive work in that wide area, very much like the defensive work he used to do when we used to win every week last year and score in 20 odd goals or whatever he got. But obviously now it’s becoming an issue.

So there’s that,” he told talkSPORT.READ MORE: Liverpool can use secret weapon to bring £75m Luis Diaz replacement to Anfield next summerPardew is not the first to say this either, with many other ex-professionals and pundits saying the exact same thing.If it is an issue, perhaps it is not Salah’s responsibility to sort it out, but if one thing is for sure, if it continues, then Liverpool will likely not be champions once again.Mohamed Salah could be droppedIt seems unthinkable to even consider taking Salah out of the team, but it is certainly a thought that will be whizzing around Slot’s head at the moment.The Dutchman already benched him for their Champions League tie against Galatasaray, although it had no impact on the performances whatsoever.He also has plenty of games to play this season, meaning that he will need his minutes managed at the age of 33.He will not like it one bit but he can stop this from happening if he starts to show up, something Liverpool fans will hope happens soon or else they will have to start asking uncomfortable questions.