Liverpool Icon Souness Blames Salah for Reds' Underwhelming Season
Liverpool's defence of their Premier League title has faltered dramatically this season, with the team struggling to secure a top-four finish and suffering an early Carabao Cup exit. Despite reaching the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and FA Cup, the Reds' overall performance has been below expectations, prompting fierce criticism from club legends.
Graeme Souness Delivers Harsh Verdict on Mohamed Salah
Former Liverpool captain and midfield enforcer Graeme Souness has pointed the finger directly at Mohamed Salah as the primary reason for Liverpool's indifferent campaign. The Egyptian forward has managed just five Premier League goals this season, a significant drop from his usual prolific output.
Souness told the Daily Mail: "I think Salah is falling off a cliff. I went to see the very first game of the season, the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, and I said, 'I don't know what's wrong with him?' He's never improved. His numbers are way down, and he is the single biggest reason why Liverpool are having an indifferent season."
The three-time European Cup winner believes Salah's best days are behind him and has suggested the 33-year-old should end his Anfield career this summer. "Yes. His best is behind him now, there's no doubt about that," Souness stated when asked if Salah should leave. "He's been for six, seven years the Liverpool go-to man. He has completely changed games when it wasn't going their way, and he has scored a ridiculous number of goals every season. He's a great - a Liverpool great - but his best season is behind him."
This criticism comes despite Salah's stunning Champions League strike against Galatasaray midweek, which briefly suggested a return to form. However, Souness remains unconvinced, emphasising that Liverpool's big players have failed to stand up when needed most.
Steven Gerrard Expresses Surprise at Alexander-Arnold Omission
Meanwhile, another Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard, has voiced his astonishment at Trent Alexander-Arnold's exclusion from the England squad for this month's international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. The Real Madrid right-back was left out of Thomas Tuchel's 35-man selection, with Tino Livramento and Djed Spence preferred instead.
Alexander-Arnold hasn't featured for England since June's 1-0 victory over Andorra, and his absence has raised eyebrows. Gerrard was unequivocal in his assessment: "Very much so," he replied when asked if Tuchel's decision surprised him. "I just think, 'is Trent among the best 35 players in this country?' Of course he is."
The former Liverpool captain highlighted Alexander-Arnold's unique creative abilities: "There's going to be certain games where England have to open the door, they might be against a low block where it's really frustrating, and Trent is one of these players who can come off the bench and just completely change the game with one pass, he's that level of a player."
Gerrard acknowledged that squad selection involves multiple considerations, including playing time, physical condition, and off-pitch factors, but maintained his disappointment for the defender. "So I am surprised, and I'm disappointed for him," he concluded.
As Liverpool navigate a challenging season, the contrasting perspectives of two club icons underscore the intense scrutiny facing both established stars and emerging talents at Anfield.
