After Mohamed Salah’s recent performances, many have begun to question the once-assumed idea that Salah should be guaranteed a starting position at Liverpool. The Egyptian winger missed crucial opportunities during a match against Manchester United, leaving analysts and fans alike concerned about his form. We’ve lost Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender and current pundit, declaring recently that Salah shouldn’t be regarded as an automatic starter these days. He thinks that’s particularly valid given the team’s major cash splurge on new signings this season.
During the game on Sunday, Salah missed big opportunities to help Info W88 Liverpool’s attack and didn’t make them count. Not at all—at the 54-minute mark, he was completely unmarked at the back post. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to capitalize on the corner deficit. Later, at 65 minutes, he again missed a chance after a cross from Milos Kerkez, solidifying his struggle in front of goal. Salah’s historic night is a reminder of a problematic trend. He has now failed to net a goal from open play in his last seven Premier League outings.
Carragher’s Concerns About Salah’s Form
Carragher laid out his fears about Salah’s decline in form when discussing the issue on Sky Sports show Monday Night Football. He stressed that these are things the manager needs to think about. In doing so, he implied that there should be adjustments made in terms of ways to use Salah differently on the pitch.
“I think we’re at that stage now where Mo Salah shouldn’t be a guaranteed starter every week,” – Jamie Carragher
Carragher offered more detail on the unfolding saga. He elaborated on the fact that the squad has spent £225 million on new signings, and it hasn’t been easy for them to hit the ground running. As Salah’s form continues to drop off, Carragher argues that it makes things increasingly difficult for the manager, putting pressure on him to change tactics.
“I do think this is a real conundrum for the manager going forward,” – Jamie Carragher
The Liverpool legend explained how Salah is still the most important player at Anfield, for whom he often delivers the most. He argued that we should consider reimagining Salah’s role in away matches, particularly when robust defensive cover is a must-have.
Alternatives on the Wing
Given Salah’s recent form, Carragher suggested Jeremie Frimpong as a possible replacement on the wing. Frimpong replaced Salah with just five minutes remaining in the match against Manchester United and made a positive impact. His poacher’s goalscoring ability and explosiveness on the break suggest he can give Liverpool something else entirely when Salah isn’t kicking into gear.
Carragher pointed out that Salah should remain in Anfield because of his remarkable record at the club. He thinks this shouldn’t be the case by default for away matches.
“But I do think in the away games and helping your full-back, I don’t think Salah should be starting every game right now,” – Jamie Carragher
This view is in accordance with what another pundit Gary Neville believes. He thinks Salah should not start either of Liverpool’s next two away matches, citing current form.
Evaluating the Future
Salah only recently signed a new two-year contract at the conclusion of last season. Now, the national conversation about his starting position is intensifying. Even so, Carragher does not view this contract as cause for Mariners-like complacency about Salah’s future on the squad.
“I don’t think Salah should be like a Virgil van Dijk where it’s like ‘first name on the teamsheet’,” – Jamie Carragher
Carragher suggested that Liverpool must consider younger players who can contribute effectively, given their recent investments in talents like Isak and Wirtz.
“It has to be Isak and Wirtz because they’ve spent the money on them and their age profile compared to Salah,” – Jamie Carragher
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