Carragher Questions Salah’s Automatic Spot in Liverpool’s Lineup After Recent Setbacks
In a surprising turn of events for Mohamed Salah and Liverpool, former player Jamie Carragher is advocating for a change in the team’s approach, highlighting the forward’s current dip in performance following a tough loss. This discussion emerges as the club grapples with strategic decisions amid ongoing challenges on the pitch.
Salah’s Prolonged Dry Spell and Its Impact on Liverpool
The Egyptian star, who has amassed an impressive tally of 248 goals across 412 outings for the Reds, has undeniably left a mark on the record books with his four Premier League top-scorer awards. Yet, during the recent clash with Manchester United, he failed to make any impact, allowing the opposition to secure a full victory thanks to a decisive late goal from Harry Maguire.
This marks a significant stretch for Salah, with seven straight Premier League matches without a non-penalty score-his most extended period without one since joining Liverpool in 2017. Despite this, the club has demonstrated continued support by extending his contract earlier this year, as manager Arne Slot appears hesitant to alter the dynamics on the right flank of his offensive setup.
Evaluating the Star’s Current Challenges
It’s impossible to overlook Salah’s unusual dip in effectiveness at age 33. Taking this into account, Carragher, a revered figure from Liverpool’s past, argues that it’s prudent to pull the veteran from the starting lineup to allow for recovery. In his comments on The Gary Neville Podcast, he noted: “We’re reaching a point where Mo Salah shouldn’t automatically feature in every lineup. This poses a genuine dilemma for the coach moving ahead.”
Carragher’s Suggestions for Liverpool’s Away Fixtures
During his analysis in the Sky Sports broadcast of Liverpool’s defeat to United, Carragher expanded on his views, stating: “Salah doesn’t need to be an unquestioned choice like Virgil van Dijk, who’s always the first pick. The team has upcoming away matches in the Champions League against Frankfurt and then at Brentford-I don’t believe Salah should lead the charge in both.”
He further explained: “At home games like those at Anfield, Salah makes sense as a starter since Liverpool dominates near the penalty area, where he’s likely to find the net. However, for away contests, especially when supporting the defender, it’s not ideal for Salah to start every time, given his recent struggles.”
Carragher pondered: “He might not take kindly to being benched, but at a certain stage in a player’s career, especially during a rough patch, it’s important to recognize the situation. If goals were flowing, a tactical benching might frustrate him, but right now, Salah lacks strong grounds to object if he’s rested for one of the next road games.”
Shifting Focus to New Talent Investments
In the summer transfer period of 2025, Liverpool made substantial investments, shattering British records to acquire German midfielder Florian Wirtz and Swedish forward Alexander Isak, committing around £240 million ($322 million) to these emerging talents.
When asked about the players Liverpool should prioritize, with Salah’s deal running only until 2027, Carragher responded: “The emphasis has to shift to Isak and Wirtz, considering the investment and their younger profiles in contrast to Salah.”
Exploring Alternatives on the Wing
Carragher emphasizes that, particularly in away games, the team might benefit from deploying a fresh face like Dutch talent Jeremie Frimpong on the right side instead of Salah. He elaborated: “Managers need to start contemplating these options. Perhaps testing Frimpong in an away match could provide better defensive assistance to the full-back and add speed on the flank, as demonstrated when he substituted in.”
Frimpong stepped in for Salah during the United game and created some threats as Liverpool sought a last-minute tie, though it didn’t materialize. He’s now a candidate for a starting role when the team heads to Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, marking his return to Germany after departing Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the year.
The Uncertainty Surrounding Salah’s Future Role
What lies ahead for Salah in upcoming matches remains unclear, especially after he was relegated to the bench in a previous European outing against Galatasaray, where Liverpool fell 1-0. Under Slot’s guidance, the squad has now experienced losses in their past four encounters across various tournaments, amplifying the need for tactical adjustments.
The Context of Liverpool’s Recent Defeat
Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United was a tough one, leaving fans and pundits alike dissecting every move. The Reds suffered a disappointing loss at Old Trafford, which highlighted some ongoing issues within the squad. As a die-hard Liverpool supporter and former player himself, Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back in his analysis, pointing fingers at the team’s strategy and key players like Mohamed Salah.
Key Moments from the Manchester United Match
The match against Manchester United exposed vulnerabilities in Liverpool’s defense and attack. United capitalized on counter-attacks, with goals from players like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford sealing the deal. Salah, typically Liverpool’s go-to hero, struggled to make an impact, missing key chances and appearing fatigued under pressure.
- First-half dominance: Liverpool started strong but failed to convert possession into goals, a trend that’s been worrying for the team.
- Defensive lapses: Mistakes in the backline allowed United to score, emphasizing the need for better team cohesion.
- Salah’s missed opportunities: The Egyptian forward had a couple of one-on-one chances but couldn’t find the net, raising questions about his current form.
This defeat has dropped Liverpool further in the Premier League standings, making Carragher’s comments all the more timely for managers and fans tracking Mohamed Salah’s performance issues.
Jamie Carragher’s Advice on Resting Salah
Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender turned respected pundit, has been vocal about the risks of overplaying star players like Mohamed Salah. In his latest remarks on Sky Sports, Carragher urged the Liverpool management to give Salah a break, arguing that constant play could exacerbate his ongoing form struggles and hurt the team’s overall Premier League campaign.
Reasons Behind the Urge to Rest Salah
Carragher’s suggestion stems from a mix of short-term performance dips and long-term player welfare concerns. Salah has been a powerhouse for Liverpool over the years, but recent games show signs of burnout, especially after international duties with Egypt.
- Fatigue from a packed schedule: With the Premier League, Champions League, and international fixtures piling up, Salah has barely had time to recover, leading to decreased sharpness on the pitch.
- Form struggles in numbers: Salah’s goal tally this season is lower than usual, with only a handful of assists in his last five games, compared to his prolific records in previous years.
- Risk of injury: Carragher pointed out that pushing Salah through this rough patch could lead to injuries, as seen with other top players who ignored rest signals.
Impact on Team Dynamics
Digging deeper, Carragher highlighted how Salah’s form struggles might be affecting team morale. When a star like Salah isn’t at his best, it can create imbalances, forcing other players to overcompensate and potentially leading to more losses.
For instance, in the Manchester United defeat, Liverpool’s attack lacked its usual fluidity, with Carragher noting on air that “Salah looked like he was running on empty.” This insight from a Liverpool legend adds weight to the conversation about sustainable player management in the high-stakes world of the Premier League.
Potential Benefits of Resting Key Players
Resting players like Salah isn’t just about giving them a breather; it’s a strategic move that could revitalize Liverpool’s season. Carragher emphasized that short-term sacrifices often lead to long-term gains, especially in a grueling competition like the Premier League.
- Improved performance upon return: A well-rested Salah could return with renewed energy, potentially boosting his goal-scoring record and helping Liverpool climb the standings.
- Opportunities for squad depth: This could be a chance for younger talents like Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota to step up, adding variety to Liverpool’s attacking options and preventing over-reliance on one player.
- Injury prevention strategies: By rotating players, managers can reduce the risk of burnout-related injuries, which have sidelined many Premier League stars in recent seasons.
In Carragher’s view, this approach aligns with modern football tactics, where player workload management is key to maintaining competitiveness throughout the season.
How Resting Salah Could Shape Liverpool’s Tactics
From a tactical standpoint, giving Salah rest might involve shifting formations or relying more on midfield creativity. Carragher suggested that Liverpool’s manager could experiment with a 4-2-3-1 setup to distribute the attacking load, allowing other players to shine while Salah recharges.
This strategy isn’t new-many top clubs, including Manchester City with players like Kevin De Bruyne, have seen success by prioritizing rest during form dips.
How This Fits into Liverpool’s Season
Liverpool’s season has been a rollercoaster, with highs against teams like Chelsea and lows like the Manchester United defeat. Carragher’s advice comes at a critical juncture, as the team navigates fixture congestion and aims for a top-four finish.
Analyzing Salah’s Ongoing Form Struggles
Salah’s form has been under the microscope, with stats showing a dip in conversion rates and fewer key passes per game. Carragher attributes this to a combination of factors, including the physical demands of playing week in and out.
- Comparison to past seasons: In previous years, Salah was a consistent 20+ goal scorer, but this season’s numbers are down, prompting discussions on mental and physical fatigue.
- External pressures: International commitments and the spotlight of being Liverpool’s main man can take a toll, as Carragher noted in his commentary.
- Data-driven insights: According to recent Premier League stats, Salah’s shots on target have decreased by 15% from last season, underscoring the need for intervention.
By addressing these issues head-on, Liverpool could not only help Salah but also strengthen their squad for upcoming challenges, like the Champions League knockout stages.
Fan Reactions and Expert Opinions
The football community has mixed reactions to Carragher’s suggestion, with many fans debating on social media. Some see it as a smart move, while others worry about short-term results. Experts like Gary Neville have echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of player rotation in elite football.
This debate highlights broader trends in the Premier League, where managing star players’ workloads has become essential for sustained success. By heeding advice from figures like Carragher, Liverpool might just turn their season around.
