Mohamed Salah is normally the player Liverpool fans trust to shine when things get tough. But this season has brought a surprise that many supporters didn’t expect.
The Reds’ usual talisman looks short of his usual spark, and the conversation around him is getting louder each week.
Jamie Carragher has now stepped into the debate, and the Liverpool legend has raised a point that is hard to ignore. His concern is simple — if Salah is not delivering at either end of the pitch, how long can Arne Slot keep giving him automatic starts?
The question may not be easy, but it is definitely timely.
Salah’s numbers tell their own story. The Egyptian star has only four goals in 11 Premier League matches this season. That may sound decent for most forwards, but not for a player who built his Liverpool legacy on world-class consistency.
With the Reds struggling for rhythm and results, every missed chance carries extra weight.
Salah has been in the starting XI for every league match so far, playing almost every minute. But his influence seems to be slipping. And as Liverpool prepare for a huge stretch of games, the pressure on Slot to make bold choices appears to be growing.
Carragher on Salah: “The days of Salah starting every week have to stop”
Carragher did not hold back when discussing Salah’s recent form. Speaking on The Overlap, he said:
“If you’re not scoring the goals at one end and you’re leaving your team exposed at the other you’re basically getting nothing from this tactical ploy of allowing Mo Salah just to stay up top.”
He added a firm warning: “The days of Mo Salah starting every week especially away from home, have to stop.”
For a player who has carried Liverpool for years, that is quite a shift. And it leaves Slot facing a big decision — stick with his superstar or try something different?
A worrying trend behind the scenes?
While rival fans may joke that Salah has “dribbled past his peak,” Liverpool supporters know this situation is more complex.
Salah still creates chances, still makes defenders panic, and still draws extra markers. But the sharpness in key moments seems to be missing.
Former Reds defender Steve Nicol also weighed in, saying Salah may need time on the bench to reset. According to him: “Playing him and playing him and playing him isn’t working… the team can’t carry him anymore.”
With Egypt duty coming soon and a demanding winter schedule ahead, Liverpool cannot afford to be caught sleeping — even if the king himself is involved.
Mohamed Salah – Premier League 2025/26 Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 11 |
| Minutes Played | 984 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 3.62 |
| Non-Penalty xG | 2.83 |
| Penalty Goals | 1 |
| Shots | 26 |
| Shots on Target | 9 |
| Shot Accuracy | 35% |
| Big Chances Created | 21 |
| Key Passes | 1.9 per 90 |
| Passing Accuracy | 74.8% |
| Dribble Success | 30.4% |
| Times Dispossessed | 25 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
| FotMob Rating (Avg) | 7.02 |
Once Liverpool return from the international break, the spotlight will be firmly on Salah once again.
He has bounced back many times before — but this challenge feels slightly different. Slot now faces a huge call, and the next few weeks could shape the rest of Liverpool’s season.