Mohamed Salah has once again been a key figure in Arne Slot’s Liverpool eleven since his return from the AFCON.
Prior to representing Egypt in the competition, Salah called out the club and was dropped for the Champions League meeting with Inter Milan.
However, despite talk around the Liverpool winger leaving in 2026, he remained at Anfield beyond the close of the winter transfer window.
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Mohamed Salah scores a free-kick during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Qarabag at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar
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Slot has started Salah in every game since he arrived back in England last month, but the 33-year-old’s performances haven’t been great.
Toni Kroos highlights Mohamed Salah’s declining pace
In 2025/26 so far, the club icon has six goals and six assists to his name, losing the top-scorer mantle to Hugo Ekitike.
However, it’s not goal contributions that Liverpool fans have been concerned about this season.
Instead, when watching the attacker in action against Newcastle on Saturday evening, Salah’s lack of pace was highlighted.
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The 33-year-old was played through on goal during the first half, but Magpies full-back Kieran Trippier was able to catch the Liverpool star and prevent his shot.
Now, former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has also commented on Salah’s declining pace when speaking to Luppen TV.
He said: “But I thought in the first half, even when he had space, it was noticeable that his top-end speed isn’t there right now, in my eyes. Especially with the ball – with Salah you always felt he was faster with the ball than without it, and I think that’s dropped off.”
Mohamed Salah may have already been replaced at Liverpool
The Saudi Pro League remain interested in Salah as we head towards the summer, and it may be the case that Liverpool are ready to move him on and switch formations.
CHANGE MY MIND: This WILL be Liverpool’s best XI after Jacquet arrives!
Isak HAS to play and wing-backs will give Slot the pace he’s been crying out for…
Liverpool's 2026/27 predicted XI - GRV Media line-up
Liverpool’s 2026/27 predicted XI – GRV Media line-up
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The arrival of Jeremy Jacquet later this year could allow Slot to switch to a back five and look to his wing-backs to provide the pace.
It would also make it much easier for Alexander Isak and Ekitike to start in the same eleven once the Swede is back from injury and fully fit.
Alternatively, Yan Diomande has been linked, and the 19-year-old RB Leipzig talent is rapid, achieving a top speed of 36.01km/h in the Bundesliga this season.
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