Mo Salah looks down on the pitch
Mohamed Salah has had a difficult campaign with Liverpool (Image: Dan Istitene, Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah's performances have been a significant source of worry for Liverpool this campaign. Nevertheless, the root of his decline may stem from a contentious incident between the Egyptian and Trent Alexander-Arnold that occurred 12 months ago. On 10 March 2024, whilst Liverpool were cruising towards their 20th top-flight championship, Salah and Alexander-Arnold were captured on film pushing each other during a training session.
Whilst Alexander-Arnold, who departed Liverpool to join Real Madrid in the summer, appeared noticeably annoyed, Salah seemed to find it amusing. He was observed chuckling in the face of his former colleague as Ibrahima Konate and Harvey Elliott intervened to defuse any friction. Those familiar with the squad insisted the altercation was good-natured banter. The duo were even allegedly seen around the training facility, sharing laughs and jokes - but Salah's statistics since then paint a contrasting picture.
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Salah proved crucial for Arne Slot last season as the Reds secured the Premier League title. He contributed 57 goals and assists across all competitions, claiming the PFA Players' Player of the Year for the third occasion, the FWA Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season.
However, following the episode, Salah managed merely two goals and provided one assist in the final nine matches of the title-winning season. This is in contrast to the 27 goals and 17 assists he had accumulated before his altercation with his teammate.
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Salah penned a new two-year deal with Liverpool in May 2025, but his disappointing statistics have persisted. Despite the ex-Roma player scoring in the Reds' 2-1 defeat to Wolves on Wednesday, this season, Liverpool's key man has only netted eight goals and provided an equal number of assists across all competitions.
Salah did miss a significant portion of Premier League play in January due to the Africa Cup of Nations, however. Since 10 March 2024, the 33-year-old has only managed 11 goals and delivered 13 assists.
Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold were seen being separated from one another on camera (Image: YOUTUBE)
The winger's downturn since the incident with Alexander-Arnold could simply be a coincidence or a broader issue linked to Liverpool's lacklustre performance since clinching the title. The rapport between Salah and Alexander-Arnold seemed cordial both prior to and following their tussle.
Salah even defended the England star when sections of the Liverpool fanbase jeered Alexander-Arnold during a match against Arsenal last May, after he expressed his desire to depart the club.
"I think somehow the fans were being harsh with him," Salah said to Sky Sports. "I think he didn't deserve it at the time, he deserved the fans to treat him the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans.
"I told him yesterday don't give me eye contact in your farewell," Salah added. "I really love him. I think he deserves the best farewell leaving the club.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah celebrate
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah celebrate Liverpool's league title in May (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"He has done a lot for the city and done a lot for the club and he's one of probably the best players in the club's history. He gave it all. I really wish him the best. I'll always be in contact with him."
The admiration was reciprocated as Alexander-Arnold publicly supported his former Liverpool colleague following Salah's contentious remarks in December, after he was dropped from the squad for several matches.
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Salah posted a silent Instagram update featuring a graphic emphasising his record as the player with the most goals and assists for a single club in Premier League history.
The right-back responded to Salah's post on Instagram with a goat emoji, acknowledging the Liverpool forward as the 'greatest of all time'.