Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has come under fire, with Graeme Souness claiming the Egyptian is showing a “lack of appetite” on the pitch. The Reds icon also pointed to the first indication that something was wrong during the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace back in August. After years of elite performances and being a consistent star of Liverpool’s success, Salah finally appears to be slowing down — a downturn that has coincided with Arne Slot’s struggling start as manager.
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Has age started to impact Salah?
Since arriving at Anfield from AS Roma in 2017, Salah has established himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest attacking talents. He has claimed the Golden Boot four times (two shared) and twice been voted the Premier League Player of the Season. During the 2024-25 season, he produced a remarkable 57 goal involvements in 52 appearances across all competitions, helping Liverpool secure their 20th top-flight title — and was subsequently rewarded with a fresh contract.
But his output has dipped significantly this campaign. Now 33 years old, Salah has registered just four goals in Liverpool’s opening 12 league matches, and questions have been raised regarding his lack of defensive contribution.
‘His brother has shown up this season’ — Souness pulls no punches
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness didn’t hold back, commenting:
“How much time do we have? He’s been exceptional. For the last seven years he’s been Liverpool’s main man. If you’re naming an all-time Liverpool XI, he’s one of the first players on the list. But this season, I honestly think it’s like his brother has turned up.”
Souness went on to describe a moment in the Community Shield match versus Crystal Palace, recalling:
“There was a pass played, and he faced the touchline. The ball was heading toward their left-back — he could’ve challenged. He wasn’t going to win it — he’s not dominant aerially — but he could’ve at least put pressure on. He didn’t even attempt it. Salah’s never going to risk injury in a 50/50, he’s clever, and that’s fine because of what he offers in attack. But he looked disinterested. Sometimes tough truths are needed — and I think he needs them to get back to the level he’s shown all these years, because this season, he hasn’t arrived.”
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Liverpool’s tactical weak point?
After Chelsea’s 2–1 win against Liverpool last month, defender Marc Cucurella exposed what he believed to be a vulnerability, explaining:
“We targeted their right side because we know Salah is always focused on attacking and looking for the counter. We trained for it and the manager highlighted the space there. In the end, that’s where it opened up.”
He added that crosses hit at high pace were part of their strategy, which ultimately helped them decide the match.
Carragher challenges Salah to show leadership
Following Liverpool’s 3–0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest at the weekend, which saw them drop to 12th in the Premier League, Jamie Carragher issued his own criticism. Speaking on Monday Night Football, he said:
“I only ever hear Salah speak when he’s won man of the match or when there’s contract talk. I want to see him step up as one of the leaders — as a Liverpool legend — and speak for the team.”
What’s next?
Arne Slot will be hoping to turn Liverpool’s fortunes around when they face PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday, before returning to Premier League action away at West Ham four days later. All eyes will be on Mohamed Salah — not just for goals, but to see whether he has the fight to prove his critics wrong.
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