Arne Slot is not worried about Mohamed Salah's form. The Egyptian has gone a month without scoring for Liverpool.
The 32-year-old Mohamed Salah, a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success for nearly a decade, has experienced an unusual decline in his goal-scoring prowess in recent weeks.
Despite an impressive overall season tally of 27 Premier League goals and 17 assists, Salah has encountered an unexpected dry spell, failing to score a goal in over a month. His last successful strikes came from two penalty kicks against Southampton on March 8th, and since then, the Egyptian forward has struggled notably to find his usual rhythm and clinical finishing touch.
Liverpool’s recent 3-2 loss to Fulham underscored Salah's current difficulties. Throughout the match, Salah appeared frustrated, isolated at times, and unable to capitalize on clear scoring opportunities a stark contrast to his typical assuredness in front of goal. The defeat was a significant setback not only for Liverpool’s hopes of securing a top-four finish but also intensified scrutiny on Salah's personal performance slump.
Following the match, manager Arne Slot attempted to ease concerns regarding Salah’s temporary dip in form. Speaking to the BBC, Slot offered perspective, suggesting Salah’s extraordinary statistics had perhaps created unrealistic expectations. "Maybe he should see it as a compliment that people are talking about it, because his stats were not normal," Slot commented. He reiterated his confidence in the star forward, emphasizing, "The good thing about Mo is that he knows what kind of player he is. He'll rise to the top again, I'm not worried about that."
Yet, reassurance from the manager hasn't entirely quelled speculation and debate in the English media. The Liverpool Echo recently captured the mood, describing Salah's contract situation and current performances as an escalating dilemma. Their headline was stark: "Mohamed Salah contract dilemma takes a new twist." The Echo noted sharply that Salah appeared like "an imitation of the player who has scored 27 times this season," a concerning observation amid ongoing discussions about his future. Comparing Salah’s scenario with that of Kevin De Bruyne, who also recently came under scrutiny regarding his age and declining impact, the publication highlighted how even elite players cannot indefinitely defy the inevitable progression of age.
"Even a genius like De Bruyne cannot escape Father Time," The Echo warned, "and at some point, Salah will face the same fate. That's probably the tricky point about a new contract for a player who turns 33 in June, even though the Egyptian has proven that he can be considered a special case capable of shining for several more years." Such analysis places Liverpool’s management in a challenging position, needing to carefully evaluate the financial and strategic implications of committing long-term to a player who might soon be experiencing an inevitable physical decline.
Echoing similar sentiments, The Guardian further intensified discussions around Salah's performance and future. They posed a critical question to readers and fans alike: "The question is whether Slot and the Liverpool board believe they have already seen the best of Salah and whether now is the time to rebuild." This narrative is particularly pressing given Salah’s age, recent struggles, and the fact his contract with Liverpool expires at the conclusion of this campaign.
Despite recent concerns, it remains crucial to contextualize Salah's exceptional contributions to Liverpool. Now in his eighth season at Anfield, the Egyptian forward has scored an outstanding 182 Premier League goals, placing him among the club’s all-time greats, while also providing 85 assists across 281 league matches. His impact extends beyond statistics, often acting as the focal point of Liverpool’s attacking play and consistently stepping up in decisive moments throughout his tenure.
Yet, the recent goal drought presents a significant psychological challenge for Salah himself. Historically a figure who thrives on confidence and momentum, prolonged periods without goals can disproportionately impact a forward's self-belief and overall form. Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures will therefore be critical, not only for their collective aspirations but for Salah individually, as he seeks to silence doubters and reignite the spark that made him one of the most feared attackers in European football.
Ultimately, Salah’s future at Liverpool hinges on several interconnected factors: his immediate return to scoring form, the club's overall strategic planning, and how both parties approach negotiations regarding a potential contract renewal. Liverpool must now decide whether to trust in Salah's proven record and continued ability to perform at a high level or to embrace a potentially difficult transition phase without their iconic forward.
Whatever path Liverpool chooses, one thing is certain: Salah's remarkable legacy at Anfield is already secure, yet the next few months will profoundly shape how his storied career with the Reds will be remembered.
