Liverpool’s key player Mohamed Salah’s performance has declined significantly, to the extent that he should not be considered an automatic starter in away matches, according to former defender Jamie Carragher.
This statement follows the Premier League champions’ fourth consecutive defeat.
The 33-year-old Egyptian forward, who signed a two-year contract extension in April, has not matched his record-breaking form from the previous season and has gone seven matches without scoring a non-penalty goal.
Salah missed a crucial chance to score in Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday. Carragher stated that Salah should not be one of the first names on the team sheet, unlike captain Virgil van Dijk.
“Liverpool have two away games – in the Champions League at Frankfurt and then at Brentford. I don’t think Salah should start both of those games,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“He should always start at Anfield because Liverpool are usually dominant, around the edge of the box, and he often scores in those situations.
“But in away games and providing support to the full-back, I don’t think Salah should be starting every game right now, especially away from home, considering his current form.”
Liverpool entered Sunday’s game following league defeats by Crystal Palace and Chelsea, and a Champions League loss to Galatasaray.
Their poor run continues despite spending £446 million ($600 million) in the close-season transfer window. Carragher suggested that manager Arne Slot should build the team around Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
“It has to be Isak and Wirtz because they’ve invested in them and their age profile compared to Salah,” Carragher said.
Liverpool are currently fourth in the league with 15 points from eight matches, trailing leaders Arsenal by four points.
With Reuters Inputs
