Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, has said again that Mohamed Salah will continue to be his central matchday thinking, although the Egyptian forward was not included in the recent two starting line-ups of the club in the Premier League. Salah, who did not play in the 2-0 win over West Ham United and was only used as a substitute against Sunderland, is going through one of the most scrutinised points of his career at the Anfield.
The 32 year old is having a tough time by his standards. Salah has scored just four goals in 19 games in all competitions this season following his creation of a historic campaign last year, finishing with the most goals (29) and assists (18) in the Premier League and winning the Player of the Year award. His decline in performance has been accompanied with increasing speculations regarding his future in the club.
It is stated in a recent BBC news that, even though the Saudi Pro League is actively recruiting international talent, it is still interested in obtaining the signature of Salah. In April, the forward renewed his two-year contract, making it a forward signed contract, which binds him to Liverpool until 2027, although Saudi clubs are also likely to show increased interest when the transfer window opens.
Speaking on Friday, Slot flattered Salah and dismissed reports that the forward has lost his popularity. According to Slot, we can really play with any player in my mind and Mo is one extraordinary player in my team. I always have him in my thoughts to either start or go off the bench.
On Saturday, Liverpool visit Leeds United and the contribution of Salah in the next match will be followed closely. Slot admitted the increasing discussion on the diminishing role of Salah: The talk, yes, because he has earned it. Six or seven years have I known him so influential. Talking when he is not playing is totally natural to people.
One of the most iconic figures in the club is Salah who came to the club in 2017 and has already scored more than 250 goals in 420 games. His decision on whether or not to make a comeback to the starting XI or move a little closer to a Middle Eastern move will remain headline news.
