Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool icon, is facing scrutiny over his guaranteed spot in the starting XI, with some pundits suggesting that his current form doesn't warrant an automatic selection, particularly in away games. The debate comes amidst Liverpool's recent struggles, including a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.
Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, has been vocal about Salah's position in the team. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher argued that Salah's contributions have dipped, and manager Arne Slot should consider building the team around newer signings like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Carragher emphasized the need to plan for the future, acknowledging Salah's legacy but highlighting the potential of the younger players.
Salah, 33, has had a slow start to the season, despite recording six goal involvements in 10 games across all competitions. However, he has gone seven Premier League matches without a non-penalty goal, marking his longest drought since joining Liverpool in 2017. In the recent match against Manchester United, Salah missed crucial chances before being substituted, further fueling the debate about his form.
Carragher pointed out that Salah's tactical role sometimes hinders Liverpool's right-back, as he doesn't always provide sufficient defensive support. While acknowledging that Arne Slot previously allowed Salah this role, Carragher suggested that Salah may no longer possess the legs to consistently track back and contribute defensively like a conventional winger.
Carragher proposed that Salah should remain a starter at Anfield, where his sharpness in and around the box remains a valuable asset. However, he believes that in away games, especially those requiring more defensive work, alternatives like Jeremie Frimpong could be considered. Frimpong's pace and defensive capabilities could offer a different dimension to Liverpool's attack and provide better support to the full-back.
The arrival of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, with significant investments from Liverpool, signals a shift towards youth and energy. Carragher believes these players represent the next phase for Liverpool, and Slot needs to integrate them effectively into the team. This could mean reassessing the roles of senior players like Salah and making strategic decisions based on form and tactical requirements.
The discussion around Salah's role isn't a criticism of his past achievements or his overall quality. Instead, it's an acknowledgement that football is constantly evolving, and teams must adapt to stay competitive. Slot's task is to find the right balance between experience and youth, ensuring that Liverpool can maximize its potential in every game. Whether this means rotating Salah more frequently or adjusting his tactical responsibilities remains to be seen, but the conversation highlights the challenges of managing a team with both established stars and emerging talents.
