Salah Benched as Liverpool Thrive: Time for a New Era?

Mohamed Salah’s struggles have become impossible to ignore for Liverpool as Arne Slot’s side found their spark again in a resounding 5-1 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt. But while the Reds celebrated an emphatic return to form, Salah’s subdued exit to the tunnel spoke volumes about his ongoing crisis.

Mohamed Salah’s Decline Casts Shadow Over Liverpool’s Revival

Mohamed Salah, once Liverpool’s talisman, watched most of the game from the bench as Slot’s tactical shift paid off. Slot dropped Salah from the starting lineup for the first time this season, opting for a 4-4-2 that featured summer signing Florian Wirtz on the right wing. The result was Liverpool’s most convincing display in weeks, and Salah’s brief 16-minute cameo did little to change the narrative. He managed just 12 touches, lost possession several times, and missed a key chance to add a sixth goal.

Why Salah Is No Longer Untouchable

Slot’s decision followed a string of ineffective performances from Salah, whose impact has diminished sharply. Against Manchester United, the Egyptian King failed to threaten, missing a golden opportunity and ultimately being substituted late as Liverpool chased the game. Critics like Gary Neville have noted that while Salah’s physical attributes seem intact, his technical execution and decision-making have waned.

Salah’s current drought is his longest without a non-penalty Premier League goal since joining Liverpool in 2017, and his goal contributions have halved compared to the same stage last season. Despite a strong start under Slot, Salah’s output has plummeted, raising questions about whether he should have departed on a high after signing his latest contract.

Liverpool’s Changing Dynamics

Part of Salah’s downturn can be attributed to changes around him. The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid has left a void on Liverpool’s right flank that no one has been able to fill. Salah’s once-telepathic partnership with Trent was vital to both men’s success, and the new right-side combinations have yet to provide the same spark.

Meanwhile, new arrivals like Wirtz, Isak, and Frimpong are still settling, but Wirtz in particular showcased his potential against Frankfurt, adding two assists and contributing defensively—something Salah has been criticized for neglecting.

The Weight of Personal Loss

Off the field, Salah has faced tragedy with the death of teammate Diogo Jota and his brother, which has clearly had an emotional impact. Salah has spoken openly about his grief and its effect on him, a reality that must be considered when assessing his recent performances. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has also acknowledged the entire squad is still dealing with this emotional burden.

Alternatives and the Road Ahead

With a record-breaking transfer budget spent last summer, expectations are high, and Slot must make tough choices. Federico Chiesa and Florian Wirtz have both shown more dynamism and output than Salah recently, and either could feature on the right against Brentford. Slot’s willingness to bench Salah signals a new approach—one that prioritizes current form over reputation.

Liverpool fans are understandably sentimental about Salah, whose legendary status is secure. But the team cannot afford passengers as they chase trophies under Slot. Internal competition is fierce, and with the Africa Cup of Nations looming on the horizon, Liverpool must start planning for life beyond their Egyptian star.

The Verdict: Should Salah Start?

A spell on the bench could be just what Salah needs to reignite his hunger and focus. He has proven critics wrong before, bouncing back from lean spells to deliver at the highest level. But Liverpool’s shift toward a new era is clear, and Slot’s handling of this transition will be crucial. For now, building on the momentum gained without Salah in the starting XI seems the wisest path forward.

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Opinion

Salah’s decline is painful for fans, but no one is bigger than the club. Slot’s brave decision to bench him is the right call for Liverpool’s immediate future. Salah still has the talent and mentality to turn things around, but he must now prove he can adapt and contribute in a changing Liverpool side. The end of an era is never easy, but it can also be the start of an exciting new chapter.