Mohamed Salah has already been dropped this season amid disappointing formplaceholder image
Mohamed Salah has already been dropped this season amid disappointing form | Getty Images
Mohamed Salah has come under criticism this season as his form has taken a serious dip
Mohamed Salah’s form is being heavily discussed, as his uncharacteristic start to the season continues to have fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.
The Egyptian is unarguably one of the best attackers Liverpool have ever seen, and his efforts over the years have been crucial to the club’s success and efforts. However, Salah has only been a fraction of the devastating threat the world is used to seeing this season.
The winger is now 33, and most players would be forgiven for displaying dips in form at that age. However, there are many players who are an exception to that, and Salah is one of them.
Last season, Salah tallied 34 goals and 23 assists in all competitions, which was in fact his highest return since his debut season in red at 25 years old. The Egyptian has never looked like letting up his superb form, so why is this season so tricky?
What Mo Salah must do to avoid Liverpool axe
Salah’s new contract expires in 2027 but there have been reports of Liverpool considering selling him. After months of fighting off Saudi Arabia interest, it has now been claimed that the Reds could look to cash in on their star attacker next year, before his contract runs out.
Selling Salah would feel almost criminal after how much Liverpool have relied on him over the years. But with things far from going to plan at Anfield right now, the club may well be forced to make drastic decisions to steer the ship back on track.
If Salah’s hit-and-miss form continues, it may be the right time for Liverpool to consider a cash sale before the chance disappears completely.
The Egyptian has been criticised for his lack of passing to teammates recently, which has cost Liverpool some clear cut chances to find the back of the net. Salah has been known to take opportunities on himself, which has more often than not paid off in the past. However, his goal tally this season is limited compared to other campaigns, which is raising serious concerns about his impact on the team.
Mo Salah dropped for Liverpool
Arne Slot made the decision to drop Salah against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, a match the Reds won 5-1. But even after coming on as a substitute, with all goals already scored and the game put to bed, the winger was caught squandering another chance as he failed to pass the ball.
Clearly wanting a goal for himself, Salah shot straight at the Frankfurt goalkeeper from a tight angle, rather than squaring the ball to Florian Wirtz, who was free to tap home in front of an empty net. The chance would have been Wirtz’s first goal of the season and would have likely eased pressure on his shoulders, having come under fire for not yet finding the back of the net.
Salah has since scored against both Brentford and Aston Villa but his overall form has been raising a lot of questions. However, in defeats to Manchester United and Manchester City he opted to take a shot on at times when he might have been better to square the ball.
According to FotMob, Salah has missed six big chances in the Premier League so far this season, with only Jean-Philippe Mateta and Erling Haaland missing more.
Liverpool are desperately trying to figure out why results are not matching the quality of their team this season. Below par performances from Salah is only further exposing the struggles. In other seasons, his electric form has made up for any mistakes or more selfish choices that have not paid off. This time, the world’s eyes are on his errors.
Liverpool proved over the summer they are not afraid to axe and sell key players. If Salah’s form does not improve, there is a huge risk these recent rumours will come to fruition and the Reds will take a late pay day to move him on before his terms expire.
If goals are starting to come less naturally for the Egyptian, he can certainly make up for that by assisting others. Avoiding passing to teammates is only going to further highlight the concerns in his game.
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