Is It Time to Drop Mohamed Salah? Liverpool’s Attack Faces Crucial Test

Mohamed Salah remains the centre of debate at Liverpool as former Reds midfielder Don Hutchison calls for bold changes, suggesting manager Arne Slot should consider leaving out the Egyptian star. With Liverpool struggling for consistency and firepower, the focus is now on how Slot can reshape the frontline, get Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike firing, and prepare for a future that may not include Salah.

Mohamed Salah’s Form Sparks Selection Headache

Mohamed Salah’s influence at Anfield has waned this season, with his goals, touches in the box, and overall productivity dropping noticeably. The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold has only added to Salah’s challenges, leaving him more isolated and less effective. As Liverpool sit adrift in the Premier League race, it’s clear that simply relying on past heroics is not enough.

Liverpool’s New Signings Yet to Shine

Slot’s side has faced teething problems as new arrivals Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike have yet to find their rhythm. Wirtz, a marquee signing, is still searching for his first Premier League goal or assist, struggling to adapt to the intensity of English football. Isak, brought in for a club-record fee from Newcastle, has been hampered by injuries and only shown flashes of his potential. Meanwhile, Ekitike has oscillated between promise and inconsistency, unable to solidify his place as a reliable goal threat.

Slot Must Solve Liverpool’s Attacking Puzzle

Hutchison believes that Arne Slot faces a pivotal “uncomfortable conversation” regarding Salah’s place in the lineup. He argues that now is the time for the new attacking trio to be given an extended run in the starting eleven to build chemistry, score goals, and improve Liverpool’s league position. “You can’t spend all that money on Wirtz, Isak, and Ekitike and have them sitting on the bench. They must be starters, play through their growing pains, and prove themselves,” Hutchison insisted.

He further suggested that the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which will see Salah leave for international duty, presents the “golden opportunity” for Slot to trial a front line without the Egyptian talisman. This period could be crucial for Liverpool’s future, giving Wirtz, Isak, and Ekitike the platform to grow together.

Wirtz Under Pressure from United Legend

The scrutiny isn’t limited to Salah. Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke recently claimed that Wirtz’s big-money move has complicated Liverpool’s best tactical options. Yorke urged Slot to trust his instincts and see if Ekitike and Isak can thrive as a strike partnership, emphasizing that their combined threat could outweigh individual brilliance.

Defensive and Midfield Issues Compound Salah Dilemma

Beyond the attacking third, Liverpool’s defensive frailties and midfield imbalance have magnified Slot’s challenges. Their porous backline and inconsistent midfield performances have left the team vulnerable in transition, making it even more imperative that the attack starts to click and relieve some of the pressure elsewhere on the pitch.

What Lies Ahead for Liverpool and Salah?

With time running short, Liverpool must find solutions quickly. The coming weeks will test Slot’s resolve and tactical acumen as he balances immediate results with long-term planning. Salah’s status as an Anfield icon is unquestioned, but football is always evolving, and Liverpool cannot afford sentimentality if they wish to remain competitive at the highest level.

Opinion: A New Era Dawns at Anfield?

While dropping Mohamed Salah may seem drastic, it could also represent a necessary evolution for Liverpool under Slot. With Wirtz, Isak, and Ekitike eager to stake their claim, now is the ideal moment for bold decisions. The Africa Cup of Nations could serve as the catalyst for this transition. If Liverpool’s new-look attack flourishes, fans may soon have cause to celebrate a new era, one focused on collective growth rather than individual legacy. For more updates and in-depth analysis, visit for more news.