Mohamed Salah’s early-season form has left Liverpool supporters and pundits divided. After a record-breaking campaign last season, the forward has struggled to replicate the same heights.
The Reds talisman is one of the Premier League’s greatest ever forwards, a player whose name is synonymous with goals, dribbles, and unforgettable moments at Anfield.
But this season, the Egyptian King has found himself under scrutiny after a slow start in Arne Slot’s new-look Liverpool side.
The Reds have looked inconsistent in the opening weeks of the campaign, with several high-profile players yet to hit the heights expected of them. For Salah, the statistics speak for themselves: one goal from open play in seven league matches, far below the standards he set as the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner last season with 29 goals.
Criticism has been swift, and few pundits have been as blunt as former Watford striker Troy Deeney. Speaking on The Football Exchange podcast, Deeney did not mince his words.
“The same as he’s done all season. Terrible,” Deeney said. “And remember, every time I’ve said he’s been terrible, everyone in the comments has been coming for me that I don’t like Mo Salah. I have an agenda. But he has been terrible. Terrible.”
It is a striking indictment of one of Liverpool’s most revered players but while Deeney has been vocal, others have urged caution.
Even former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has urged patience, insisting Salah’s slower start is not a cause for concern.
Former Liverpool midfielder pointed out that Salah’s movement and intelligence remain intact, and that a dip in finishing is not the same as a dip in form.
“I don’t think he looks lost,” Murphy told Talksport “He’s getting in great positions. His end product isn’t as good as it has been. He’s set the bar ridiculously high. His finishing hasn’t been anywhere near his levels.”
“He’s shooting when he should pass, passing when he should shoot, mis-hitting shots or ballooning them over when we’ve seen him score so many times in those positions. So, his end product is down. Physically, he’s getting in the same positions. He looks sharp. He looks fit. I wouldn’t worry about that.”
Liverpool supporters, however, can take some comfort from Salah’s international form. In Egypt’s 3-0 win over Djibouti in 2026 World Cup qualifying, Salah scored twice, showing glimpses of the lethal striker who terrorised Premier League defences last season.
The performance served as a reminder of his natural ability and hinted that the slower start to the season could be a temporary blip rather than a sign of decline.
The criticism, while cutting, does not take into account Salah’s pedigree or the broader context of Liverpool’s season so far. Slot has been integrating a new squad, blending high-profile signings with existing stars, and the team has been far from consistent in the league.
Several players have looked sluggish in the opening weeks, leaving the Reds occasionally short of fluidity and clinical edge in attack.
Slot will be hoping that momentum carries over into the Premier League, with the visit of Manchester United next on the horizon offering the perfect stage for Salah to rediscover his club form.
The Egyptian forward has a brilliant record against United, and if he can replicate the sharpness he showed for Egypt, Liverpool could get the boost they desperately need. With the league still in its early stages, a return to form from Salah could be decisive in helping the Reds maintain their title credentials.
Ultimately, Salah’s start to the season highlights the fine margins at the top of football. One player’s dip can attract criticism, but one inspired performance can change everything. For Liverpool, and for Salah himself, the coming weeks will be crucial and after two goals for Egypt, the message is clear the Reds talisman is far from finished.
