Salah’s Form Sparks Concern as Liverpool Search for Answers

Mohamed Salah finds himself under intense scrutiny after Liverpool legend Graeme Souness publicly questioned both his drive and recent performances. Despite being a linchpin for the Reds over the past eight seasons, Salah’s form this term has raised eyebrows and debate about whether the Egyptian star’s best days are behind him.

Mohamed Salah’s Struggles This Season

Mohamed Salah, synonymous with Liverpool’s modern success, has seen a noticeable dip in his form during the 2025/26 campaign. With only four goals in his first 12 Premier League matches, the typically prolific forward has struggled to replicate the impact fans have come to expect. Souness, speaking on talkSPORT, highlighted an incident in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace as a warning sign: “He made no attempt to make that challenge. I’m thinking, he’s never been the bravest, but he’s shown a lack of appetite.” This assessment has fueled broader concerns about Salah’s work rate and defensive involvement.

Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool Legacy and Achievements

Since arriving from AS Roma in 2017, Salah has cemented himself as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats, helping the club to a historic 20th English title and securing four Premier League Golden Boots. His recent seasons have been nothing short of extraordinary, with 57 goal contributions in 52 matches during the Reds’ last league-winning campaign. His consistency and knack for scoring key goals have made him an automatic choice in any Liverpool dream team.

Is Age Affecting Mohamed Salah’s Game?

However, at 33, age may now be catching up with the Egyptian legend. Critics point to his declining goal return and perceived reluctance to help defensively. Souness’s “his brother turned up this season” comment, though tongue-in-cheek, underscores the collective sense that Salah is not reaching his usual standards. Former teammate Jamie Carragher added to the critique, urging Salah to step up as a leader and speak for the team during challenging times, rather than only addressing the media after personal triumphs or contract renewals.

Main Concerns: Salah’s Defensive Commitment

Recent comments from Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella after their 2-1 win over Liverpool have further spotlighted Salah’s lack of defensive contribution. Cucurella revealed Chelsea targeted Liverpool’s right side, knowing Salah’s preference to attack rather than track back. “We tried to attack (on their right side) always because we know that Salah is always ready to attack, to play the counter attack,” said Cucurella. “If we do the crosses with maybe a lot of pace on them, so I think we try to make these things on our side and today it worked.”

Liverpool’s Broader Struggles

Salah’s form dip comes at a time when new manager Arne Slot is seeking stability. Back-to-back defeats, including a humbling 3-0 loss at Nottingham Forest, have left Liverpool stranded in 12th place. The pressure is mounting ahead of key fixtures, with a vital Champions League clash against PSV and a Premier League trip to West Ham on the horizon. Slot must find a way to revitalize Salah and the team if they are to return to their winning ways.

Can Mohamed Salah Regain His Spark at Liverpool?

Liverpool fans and pundits alike are now questioning whether this is a temporary blip or the beginning of a more permanent decline for Mohamed Salah. Souness believes “hard words are sometimes the kindest words” and hopes the Egyptian can use the criticism as motivation to rediscover his superstar status. With much of Liverpool’s success built around Salah’s attacking prowess, his return to form will be critical for the club’s ambitions this season.

Opinion: Salah’s Legacy Still Intact, But Time for a Response

While the criticism aimed at Mohamed Salah is understandable given his current struggles, it is important to remember his immense contribution to Liverpool’s golden era. Every great player faces a dip in form, but the hallmark of true legends is how they respond. With upcoming fixtures providing the perfect stage, Salah has the chance to silence doubters and remind everyone of his enduring quality. Liverpool need their talisman to step up now more than ever.

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