Liverpool manager Arne Slot made one of the most talked-about decisions of the Premier League season on Sunday, leaving star forward Mohamed Salah on the bench for his side's 2-0 victory over West Ham United.
The Manager's Explanation for a Major Call
Speaking after the match at Anfield, Slot pointed to a heavily congested fixture schedule as the primary reason for his bold selection. With four matches in ten days and a squad limited to just 14 or 15 available outfield players, the Dutch coach stated that changes were a necessity.
Slot was quick to downplay any suggestion of a rift, however, firmly backing the Egyptian's future at the club. He described Salah as a "special player" who has enjoyed an "unbelievable career" and stressed he will have a "very good future" with Liverpool.
Pundit Consensus: A Necessary Move
The decision to drop the 31-year-old, which marked the first time Salah had been omitted from a Premier League starting line-up since April 2024, sparked a wave of reaction from football analysts.
Alan Shearer praised Slot for making a "big call", arguing it was justified by the team's poor run of form ahead of the West Ham clash. The Premier League's all-time top scorer stated that Salah could have no complaints given his recent dip in performance levels.
Echoing this sentiment, Peter Crouch claimed the move was needed to address "deep rooted" problems within the team. The former Liverpool striker argued that no player, regardless of status, should be immune from being dropped if their displays are sub-par.
Criticism of Form and Defensive Work
Other high-profile figures had voiced concerns prior to the match. Wayne Rooney had previously called for Salah to be benched, citing a lack of defensive work rate and failure to track back. He believed the decision would send a powerful message about accountability to the entire squad.
Liverpool legends Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness had also been critical in the build-up, focusing on Salah's declining influence and defensive contributions. Carragher admitted he was "really angry with the players", including Salah, following the heavy 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven.
A Different Perspective from the Defence
Not all analysis was uniformly critical of the player. Former England defender Phil Jagielka offered a nuanced view, suggesting it was an easier decision to drop an attacker like Salah than a key defender such as Virgil van Dijk.
Jagielka acknowledged Salah's historically "ridiculous" goal and assist numbers are vital for Liverpool, but noted the forward is a player known to "go missing at times" during matches.
What Happens Next for Salah and Liverpool?
The spotlight now turns to how Salah responds. With just four Premier League goals so far this season, his output has mirrored the team's overall inconsistent form. Slot's handling of his star man will be scrutinised in every upcoming team selection.
This episode represents a significant moment in Slot's early tenure at Anfield, demonstrating a willingness to make tough decisions regardless of a player's reputation. The ultimate judgement on whether it was the correct call will depend on Liverpool's results and Salah's performances in the crucial weeks ahead.
