Report: Liverpool Better Off Without Mo Salah? | OneFootball

Are Liverpool Better Without Mo Salah?

Overview of Salah’s Dilemma

Mohamed Salah, once revered as Liverpool’s talisman, finds himself at a crossroads with his tenure at Anfield under scrutiny. With a little over a year left on his contract, a recent report from The Mirror suggests that Liverpool might actually be more formidable without him. This bold assertion stems from observations made by pundits and is underscored by the team’s performance in his absence.

Salah’s Influence on Liverpool’s Form

Salah’s recent form has been a mixed bag, despite being lauded for his prolific goal-scoring ability. This season, he has netted 17 goals in 25 starts, a record that includes a significant number of penalties. Stripping away the spot-kicks, Salah’s contribution appears less impressive, with only 11 field goals. As The Mirror points out, not only has Chris Wood from Nottingham Forest outscored Salah sans penalties, but Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth has as well.

“Lineker said the Egyptian has been ‘prolific again’ this season while Shearer described his Premier League return of 17 goals in 25 starts as ‘remarkable.’” Yet, when delving deeper, these numbers start to paint a different picture. His performance raises questions about the genuine impact of his contributions when Liverpool needs him the most.

Photo: IMAGO

Team Performance During Salah’s Absences

The statistics are telling: Liverpool’s best run this season occurred while Salah was either on international duty with Egypt or sidelined due to injury. During a stretch of 13 games without him, Liverpool clinched 11 wins and one draw, only stumbling once against Arsenal. Contrastingly, since his return, Liverpool has suffered a dip in form, losing four out of 11 matches.

This correlation between Salah’s presence and Liverpool’s fluctuating fortunes has led to a stark verdict: “Liverpool are a far better team when Salah doesn’t play.”

Future Considerations and Exit Rumours

As Salah’s contract winds down, speculation around his future intensifies. His recent relegation to the bench in a game against West Ham and reported disputes with manager Jurgen Klopp have only fuelled rumours that his departure is imminent—and perhaps beneficial for the squad.

The scenario echoes Liverpool’s best moments in recent history, like their stunning victory against Barcelona, which occurred in Salah’s absence, further underscoring the notion that the team might indeed excel without him.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Liverpool?

The debate over Salah’s role at Liverpool is more than a mere critique of a footballer’s on-field performance; it touches on the dynamics of team chemistry and the sometimes intangible elements that contribute to footballing success. While his goal-scoring prowess is undeniable, the team’s impressive performances without him suggest that Liverpool might need to adapt to a future beyond their Egyptian superstar.

As the end of Salah’s contract approaches, Liverpool faces a critical decision. Will they forge ahead with or without Salah? The answer might very well shape the team’s destiny in the coming years.