The air crackled with discontent. Sam Allardyce, a veteran of the Premier League’s toughest battles, didn’t mince words. He vehemently challenged Jamie Carragher’s recent assessment of Mohamed Salah, branding the Liverpool legend’s claim that Salah’s “legs have gone” as utterly “pathetic.”
Liverpool’s season has been a stark contrast to their recent dominance. After a trio of defeats, a 2-0 victory over West Ham offered a fleeting moment of relief for Arne Slot, the team’s new manager. Yet, the defending champions find themselves languishing in eighth place, a worrying nine points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Slot made a bold move to shake up the struggling side, surprisingly opting to bench Salah against West Ham. The Egyptian star, fresh off a Golden Boot-winning season, still contributes significantly with six goal involvements in twelve games, but hasn’t displayed his usual electrifying form.
Carragher’s critique, delivered on CBS Sports, focused on the aging core of Liverpool’s success. He pointed to Alisson’s injury struggles, a diminished Virgil van Dijk, and, most pointedly, a Salah who appeared to have lost a step. It was a statement that ignited a fierce response.
Allardyce was scathing in his reply, accusing Carragher of seeking “popularity” with a reckless judgment. He questioned how anyone could definitively declare a decline in Salah’s physical prowess after just one season removed from a stellar campaign. “His legs haven’t gone,” Allardyce insisted, “How can that happen overnight?”
The debate wasn’t confined to managerial voices. Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also defended Salah, arguing that the forward’s struggles were a symptom of the team’s overall issues. He emphasized that Salah’s inherent danger remains undiminished, but he’s simply not receiving the service he needs to thrive.
Brown highlighted a crucial point: Salah’s effectiveness is intrinsically linked to Liverpool’s collective performance. When the team falters, and spaces are constricted, even a player of Salah’s caliber will struggle to replicate his peak form. The lack of cohesion and familiarity within the squad is undeniably a factor.
Arne Slot acknowledged Salah’s disappointment at being benched, but praised the player’s exemplary professionalism. He described Salah’s supportive attitude towards his teammates and his disciplined approach to maintaining peak fitness, even during challenging times.
Slot emphasized that Salah’s dedication transcends individual performance. He understands the demands of consistent play and prioritizes his physical well-being, ensuring he remains a reliable asset regardless of his role in any given match. This unwavering commitment, Slot believes, defines Salah as a “top professional.”
Liverpool now face a crucial match against Sunderland, seeking consecutive league wins for the first time in months. The question of whether Salah will return to the starting lineup remains unanswered, but the focus remains on reigniting the team’s form and rediscovering the spark that once made them a force to be reckoned with.
