Salah's ego is 'bruised' claims former Manchester striker

Three defeats — two in the league and the one in the Champions League against Galatasaray — have put Liverpool in a difficult spot, making it clear that something isn’t right in Arne Slot’s team. If last season Mohamed Salah carried the Reds on his back to the Premier League title, and this season has a far smaller influence, it’s evident that the man who officially finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or voting must be seen as one of the culprits. Strictly by the numbers, after seven rounds last season Salah already had four goals and three assists, while this time he has only two in each category. But beyond statistics, the general impression is that the Egyptian seems quieter, less decisive, and no longer instills the same fear in opponents.

While playing his best football last season, Salah was simultaneously voicing frustration with Liverpool’s management for delaying a new contract (which has since been signed). Now there’s no public dissatisfaction, but the feeling remains that something is still bothering Salah. Perhaps it’s the most expensive transfer window in Anfield’s history — and the trio of new signings that subtly signal a coming generational change?

“With the players coming in, Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Wirtz, the money they have spent on the, what does Salah think now?” said Wayne Rooney in the BBC podcast ‘The Wayne Rooney show.

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Commenting on the Premier League events of the past weekend, a Manchester United legend pointed out something not entirely new about Salah, but something that was often overlooked while Liverpool were winning.

“Top players have an ego, and Mo Salah has been one of the best players in the league for a long time. I think the last week has shown that when it's gone well, you're scoring goals and you're winning games, it's great and the team will put up with that, but over the last week, I'd question his work ethic. I know he doesn't always get back and defend as much, but in the Chelsea game, his full-back is getting torn apart, and he is watching” said former Manchester striker.

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He’s one of the greatest players not only of the modern era but in Liverpool’s entire history — he’s brought the Reds two Premier League titles, a Champions League, and several other trophies — yet despite all that, Rooney believes Mo is due for a conversation, meaning that certain things he does (or doesn’t do) on the pitch need to be addressed.

“Players like Van Dijk and Alisson, who I know wasn't playing, but the leaders in the dressing room should be telling him you need to help it. For me, that was a worry. He has looked a little bit lost the past week, in my opinion” concluded Rooney.