Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has urged Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to step in to talk to Mohamed Salah about his performances. The Egyptian player has not been in his best touch this season and fired blanks in his side's 2-1 loss against Chelsea at the weekend.
Rooney spoke about his observations on the Wayne Rooney Show, throwing light on Salah's ego is causing his team to struggle. He pointed out that the forward failed to assist his full-back in the game against Chelsea despite several incursions down the flank. He suggested the Liverpool team leaders to try and speak with the 33-year-old to offer more help defensively.
"With the players coming in, Isak, [Hugo] Ekitike, and Wirtz, the money they have spent on the, what does Salah think now? Top players have an ego, and Mo Salah has been one of the best players in the league for a long time. I think the last week has shown that when it's gone well, you're scoring goals and you're winning games, it's great and the team will put up with that, but over the last week, I'd question his work ethic. I know he doesn't always get back and defend as much, but in the Chelsea game, his full-back is getting torn apart, and he is watching.
"Players like Van Dijk and Alisson, who I know wasn't playing, but the leaders in the dressing room should be telling him you need to help it. For me, that was a worry. He has looked a little bit lost the past week, in my opinion", he said (via Daily Mail).
Mohamed Salah revealed in the 2024-25 season that he had spoken with Arne Slot upon his arrival from Feyenoord, questioning the Dutch coach to absolve him of defensive duties. In return, He scored 47 goal contributions, a tally that have never been bettered in Premier League history, and led the Red to win the league title.
Chelsea took advantage of Salah's lack of defensive duties, as Marc Cucurella revealed after the match, and created the winner from his flank. The former AS Roma player has yet to produce that earned him last season's concession from Slot, with two goals and two assists this season.
Arne Slot and Liverpool may have to rethink their game plan with Salah or risk leaving their defense lopsided and exposed on the right side. The Egypt international signed a new deal with the club last season and expects to stay as a key player going forward.