Should Mohamed Salah Be Dropped by Liverpool?

Liverpool’s Premier League season has taken a dark and unexpected turn, as the Reds now find themselves in free fall after suffering a fourth consecutive league defeat — a painful 2-1 loss to arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield. Once seen as unstoppable under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool are now a team searching for answers, and the biggest question facing the club right now is whether Mohamed Salah should be benched.

The defeat to Manchester United was a gut punch to Liverpool supporters. Despite controlling possession and creating numerous chances, the Reds were once again guilty of wastefulness in front of goal. United, in contrast, displayed ruthless efficiency, taking advantage of Liverpool’s defensive lapses and mental fragility. It was a result that left the Kop stunned and pundits questioning the direction the team is heading in.

Former striker Charlie Austin was among those who did not shy away from criticism but insisted that United’s performance deserved credit. “Manchester United were simply the better side,” Austin said. “They were organized, composed, and clinical. Liverpool lacked belief and sharpness when it mattered most.” His comments captured the mood perfectly — Liverpool weren’t just beaten; they were outthought.

The most worrying aspect of Liverpool’s decline, however, is the sudden drop in form of their talisman, Mohamed Salah. Once the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attack and a symbol of their success under Jürgen Klopp, Salah now looks a shadow of his former self. His first touch has deserted him, his decision-making has been poor, and his once-lethal finishing seems to have vanished. The Egyptian King, who once terrorized defenders weekly, now looks short on confidence and ideas.

Among supporters, frustration is growing louder. Liverpool fan Jamie Story summed up the feeling among many: “If you look at his recent performances, Salah doesn’t deserve to start. He’s off the pace and seems mentally drained. We need hunger and freshness, and he’s not showing that right now.” It’s a rare and shocking statement about a player who has been the face of Liverpool’s success for years.

As pressure mounts on Arne Slot, the Liverpool boss faces his toughest decision yet — to persist with Salah in hopes that he regains form or to take the bold step of benching him for the greater good of the team. Slot, who has already faced criticism for his tactical rigidity, now finds himself under intense scrutiny from both fans and the media. A potential shake-up in the attack could be exactly what Liverpool needs to rediscover their spark.

Young and dynamic options are available. Promising forwards like Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak have impressed in training and cameo appearances, showing energy and determination that Liverpool’s attack desperately needs. Many fans are calling for Slot to trust the youth and give Salah a period of rest and reflection — a tactical reset that could also serve as a wake-up call for the veteran forward.

The timing couldn’t be more critical. Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures include a vital Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt followed by a Premier League tie with Brentford. Failure to win either could deepen the crisis at Anfield and possibly end their realistic title hopes before Christmas. Charlie Austin, commenting again after the United defeat, emphasized leadership and adaptability: “This is where great managers earn their reputation. You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results.”

The Salah dilemma is not just a tactical issue — it’s psychological. For years, he has carried the burden of being Liverpool’s match-winner, often single-handedly rescuing them from tough situations. But even world-class players need to be managed carefully. Benching Salah doesn’t mean giving up on him; it might mean protecting him from himself, allowing him to regain focus and hunger away from the spotlight.

Arne Slot, still in the early stages of his Liverpool reign, now faces a defining moment. His decision regarding Salah could shape not just the rest of the season but also his authority in the dressing room. Choosing to drop a legend is never easy, but it may be necessary to restore balance and belief. Liverpool are teetering on the edge, and a brave managerial call could make all the difference.

As fans brace for what could be a turbulent few weeks, one truth stands out — Liverpool’s margin for error is gone. The Premier League waits for no one, and unless Salah or Slot find a way to reignite the spark that once made Anfield a fortress, this could be a season remembered for what might have been. The world is watching, and every decision from here on will determine whether Liverpool rise again or crumble under the weight of expectation.