What 6 pundits have said about Mohamed Salah being dropped as Arne Slot explains bold call

Mohamed Salah was an unusued substitute during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over West Ham United on Sunday

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Everything you need to know

• Slot makes Salah decision: Liverpool manager Arne Slot explained that benching Mohamed Salah for the club’s 2-0 win against West Ham United was necessary due to a heavily congested fixture schedule, with four matches in ten days. He explained his Liverpool squad was limited, with only 14 to 15 outfield players available, forcing changes to be made.
• Reason Salah was benched: Slot was keen to downplay the significance of the decision, reassuring fans about Salah’s standing at the club. He stressed that Salah is a “special player” who has had an “unbelievable career” and will have a “very good future” at Liverpool.
• Crouch gives verdict: Former striker Peter Crouch stated that the decision to drop Salah was necessary to solve Liverpool’s now “deep rooted” problems. Crouch argued that Salah should not be above being taken out of the team if his performances continue to be sub-par.
• Shearer agrees with Salah call: Alan Shearer praised Arne Slot for the move, calling it a “big call” that was justified by the team’s recent poor run of results ahead of the match. Shearer claimed that Salah could not complain about being benched given his disappointing performance levels recently.
• Rooney weighs in: Wayne Rooney had previously called for Salah to be dropped due to concerns over his defensive work rate, specifically accusing the forward of failing to carry out his tracking-back duties. Rooney felt the bold decision would send a strong message of accountability to the other players currently on the bench.
• Carragher and Souness agree: Liverpool legends Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness had also criticised the Egyptian’s declining form and lack of defensive contribution leading up to the West Ham match. In particular, Carragher admitted he was “really angry with the players”, including Salah, following the heavy 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV.
• Jagielka has different view: Former England and Everton defender Phil Jagielka offered a different perspective, suggesting it was an easier decision to drop Salah than a key defensive player like Virgil van Dijk. He noted that Salah is a player whose historically “ridiculous” numbers are vital, but he is known to “go missing at times.”
• Salah not used to being sub: Slot’s decision was highly significant as it was the first time Salah had been dropped from a Premier League starting line-up since April 2024, also against West Ham. Salah has scored four Premier League goals so far this season, contributing to the team’s alarming run of form.
• READ MORE: Liverpool boss Arne Slot hails ‘very important moment’ as he makes Mo Salah statement