Liverpool’s recent slump has drawn plenty of opinions, but Wayne Rooney’s comments about Mohamed Salah have hit the hardest.
The former Manchester United and England striker didn’t hold back when discussing Salah’s performance in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Anfield. It was the Reds’ third loss in a row — and according to Rooney, Salah’s effort levels are part of the problem.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, he said:
“Over the last week, I would question his work ethic. We know he doesn’t always get back and defend as much, but in the Chelsea game his full-back was getting torn apart and he was watching.”
Liverpool fans aren’t used to seeing their star winger under this kind of spotlight. Salah, who has been the club’s talisman for years, has scored just twice in the league this season — far from his usual high standards.
Rooney believes that frustration may be creeping in, especially with new faces like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz arriving at Anfield.
“With the players coming in, Isak, [Hugo] Ekitike, and Wirtz, the money they have spent on them, what does Salah think now? Top players have an ego, and Mo Salah has been one of the best players in the league for a long time.”
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Wayne Rooney reveals why Salah might be struggling
Rooney suggested Salah might be struggling to accept a slightly reduced role. He compared the situation to his own days at Manchester United when new signings challenged his place.
“When we signed Tevez, there were reports we couldn’t play together. But I used to think, ‘There’s no way he’s taking my spot.’ That gives you a lift,” Rooney said.
He also urged Liverpool’s leaders, like Virgil van Dijk, to demand more from the Egyptian forward when things aren’t going well.
“Players like Van Dijk and Alisson should be telling him you need to help. For me, that was a worry. He has looked a little bit lost the past week.”
Still, Rooney wasn’t calling for Salah to be benched. Instead, he hinted that a change in role — perhaps moving him more centrally — could reignite his spark.
After all, as Rooney reminded fans, “The best managers see that and adjust.”
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