Is it time to drop Salah from the Liverpool squad

Salah remains a Premier League star. For Liverpool coach Arne Slot, it’s his first season in charge, and Salah played a major role in helping Slot secure the league title.
 

But now Slot may need to make a tough decision regarding him. The Liverpool coach himself hasn’t commented, but Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has advised Slot to consider dropping Salah from the squad.
 

Why? Some may know the answer, but Liverpool’s current situation in the league is clear to all. Last Saturday, Liverpool lost 3-0 at home to Nottingham Forest. After 12 matches, they sit 11th with 18 points 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal, who have 29 points. In 12 games, Liverpool has won 6 and lost 6. Slot’s team has lost 6 of their last 7 matches, conceding 6 goals in the last two games alone. Rooney noted that Salah has scored only 5 goals in these 12 matches and is not helping the team defensively.
 

In the loss against Nottingham, Salah could neither score nor assist. On The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, the Manchester United all-time top scorer said, “Salah is not helping the defense. New players are sitting on the bench watching; he’s not running. Again, he’s a club legend and what he has done is amazing. But if he doesn’t run in every match, what message does that send to others? If I were Slot, I would make a big decision that impacts the entire squad.”
 

After last season’s league victory, Liverpool strengthened the squad, spending a total of £241 million to sign Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. But the results on the pitch have not followed.
 

Rooney didn’t only criticize Salah; he also criticized some senior Liverpool players who are underperforming: “They are not in good form, and it’s not just Van Dijk or Salah. There are players who can lead the team. Mac Allister has been around for years. Ryan Gravenberch played excellently last season. They need to step up and try to build a team together that can win.”

Salah’s goal-scoring this season has also been below expectations.
 

Rooney is not alone. Former Liverpool stars Jamie Carragher and Don Hutchison also believe it may be time to bench Salah. However, another Liverpool legend, John Barnes, has a completely different view. He believes Salah is not the problem.
 

Speaking to Mirror Football, Barnes said, “Liverpool used to play in a way that created chances for Salah via Trent and others. Now players like Florian Wirtz, Akité, and Isak have arrived. The style of play has changed. Once that settles, there will be no problem. Salah is 33, which is natural, but many blame his age.”
 

In the Premier League, Liverpool will face West Ham United in their next match on 30 November.