Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has said that Mohamed Salah should no longer be an automatic starter for the Reds, suggesting that his recent dip in form should prompt manager Arne Slot to reconsider his role in the starting lineup.
Salah struggled in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday, missing two clear chances and extending his run to seven Premier League games without a goal from open play — his longest drought since joining the club.
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast via Sky Sports on Monday, Carragher said it may be time for Slot to adjust how he uses the 33-year-old forward, who signed a new two-year contract at the end of last season.
“I think we’re at that stage now where Mo Salah shouldn’t be a guaranteed starter every week,” Carragher said. “This is a real conundrum for the manager going forward. Salah shouldn’t be treated like Virgil van Dijk, where he’s automatically the first name on the team sheet.”
Carragher added that Salah should be rested for upcoming away fixtures. “Liverpool have got two away games – in the Champions League at Frankfurt, and then Brentford. I don’t think Salah should start both.
“He should always start at Anfield because Liverpool dominate possession there, and he’s more likely to score. But away from home, given his form and the defensive work required, I don’t think he should start every game right now.”
Carragher concluded by saying that while Salah might not be happy with being benched, he needs to accept it. “When you reach a certain age, you have to understand that — especially when you’re not playing well. If you’re not scoring, it’s hard to argue against being left out for a game or two.”
