Liverpool have been advised to consider moving on from Mohamed Salah as questions arise over his form and how his “selfishness” might pose a significant challenge for manager Arne Slot. Salah, last season’s standout player as Liverpool clinched their 20th league title, secured a new contract lasting until 2027. However, his form has noticeably waned at the beginning of this campaign.
Various factors appear to be contributing to Salah’s sudden dip in performance. The absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, coupled with Liverpool’s current lack of team balance, seems to be affecting his game adversely. This decline has left Salah on the fringes of most matches, sparking a debate about whether he should be gradually demoted from Slot’s starting line-up.
Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has voiced his opinion, suggesting Salah’s “selfishness” could become a “significant issue” for the team. “This is the phase where conversations about his future are inevitable,” Deeney commented to The Sun. He drew parallels with past debates about Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard’s longevity with the squad.
Deeney acknowledged Salah’s legendary status at Liverpool, akin to Gerrard’s, but remarked on the forward’s apparent inability to put the team’s needs first. He criticized Salah for prioritizing personal glory over team success, stating, “While it’s understood that goalscorers need to have a selfish streak, Salah’s performances of late have not justified it.”
Deeney further suggested that the club might need to start planning for life beyond Salah, especially as adapting to a new style to extend his career could be implausible given his current status. He cited a particular moment in a recent match where Salah opted to shoot rather than assist Florian Wirtz, a decision that led to missed opportunities on both fronts.
The dressing room atmosphere may also be affected by Salah’s persistence in prioritizing personal achievements. The underlying tensions in a team brimming with high-value egos compared to previous seasons could amplify any perceived issues.
Ultimately, Deeney questions if Salah has the capability or time to evolve his game in line with Liverpool’s evolving tactical setup, much like Gerrard managed towards the end of his career. The pressing concern for Slot remains whether to persist with Salah or transition towards a new era possibly without him at the helm.
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