Is Mo Salah’s time at Liverpool coming to an end? The 2023/24 season was undoubtedly his most underwhelming yet at Anfield, leaving many to question his future with the club. Despite his strong numbers of 25 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, Salah’s performances felt patchy and forgettable compared to previous seasons.
One possible explanation for his struggles could be the changing dynamics within the team. With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s tweaked role and a new batch of midfielders, Salah often found himself isolated on the right-hand side. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of fellow attackers Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez made it harder for him to establish on-pitch relationships.
Another factor that may have contributed to Salah’s underperformance was his post-AFCON form. Two years ago, it was evident that Salah dropped off after international duty, and this season was no different. Injuries further hampered his performance, with a two-month absence due to a hamstring tear being the worst injury of his career. Upon his return, Salah struggled to regain his form, with his ability to beat defenders and score goals diminishing.
Salah’s frustrations were evident, culminating in a touchline spat with manager Jurgen Klopp. This, coupled with his lackluster goal-scoring record towards the end of the season, has led to doubts about his long-term role in the team.
At 31 years old, Salah is now a different player than the one who used to run defences ragged. As he enters the final years of his contract, there are questions about how he will be utilized by new manager Arne Slot. While Salah’s physical condition remains excellent, it is undeniable that age catches up with all footballers. Conversations about playing him centrally or turning him into more of a poacher may be necessary.
However, Liverpool cannot afford to make drastic changes that would affect the overall system of the team. Despite his recent form, Salah has proven himself to be an indispensable figure for the club. While there may be doubts about his future, keeping him remains the preferred option, as there are few others who can match his scoring and assisting abilities.
If Salah does stay, a contract extension should be a priority to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer. Although it feels like Salah may be entering the post-peak years of his career, he still has the potential to be a valuable asset and break further records.
In conclusion, while Salah’s 2023/24 season was disappointing, it is too early to write off his contributions to Liverpool. His performance may have dipped, but his overall numbers and past achievements speak for themselves. The upcoming season will be crucial in determining his role and future at Anfield.