Former Liverpool defender turned pundit Jamie Carragher has found himself at the center of a media storm after making controversial remarks about Mohamed Salah's current playing capabilities. The Sky Sports analyst claimed that Salah's performance has significantly deteriorated, suggesting the Egyptian star's 'legs have gone', a statement that has drawn sharp criticism from football insiders.
The comments emerged just before Liverpool's crucial 2-0 victory over West Ham, a match in which new manager Arne Slot chose to drop Salah from the starting lineup. This decision further fueled speculation about the player's current form and future at the club.
A former Premier League manager has since hit back at Carragher, describing his assessment as 'pathetic' and overly dismissive of Salah's long-standing contributions to Liverpool. The criticism highlights the ongoing tension between media analysis and player performance in top-tier football.
Salah, who has been a pivotal player for Liverpool since his arrival in 2017, has experienced a challenging period of form that has raised questions about his long-term effectiveness on the pitch. The player's goal-scoring record and overall impact have been topics of intense discussion among fans and pundits alike.
The controversy underscores the intense scrutiny faced by top-level footballers, particularly those who have previously set exceptionally high standards for themselves. Carragher's comments have reignited debates about player longevity and the challenges of maintaining peak performance in professional football.
Liverpool's management and coaching staff have remained largely diplomatic about Salah's current situation, with Arne Slot's decision to rotate the player suggesting a nuanced approach to managing his workload and form. The 2-0 win against West Ham may provide some respite for the team, but questions about Salah's role continue to persist.