Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah is facing fresh criticism amid his slow start to the season, with former Premier League striker Troy Deeney claiming the Egyptian’s “selfishness” could become a major issue for manager Arne Slot. Deeney believes the Reds may need to make a difficult decision about their talisman as his form and influence begin to wane.
Salah’s Struggles Under Slot
After playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s historic 20th league title triumph last season, Salah signed a new contract that tied him to the club until 2027. However, his performances at the start of this campaign have fallen well below expectations. The 32-year-old has struggled to replicate his usual dominance, with many pointing to the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the team’s current imbalance as contributing factors.
Once the focal point of Liverpool’s attack, Salah has found himself increasingly isolated in recent weeks. His lack of impact has sparked debate among fans and pundits about whether Slot should consider easing him out of the starting lineup to adapt the squad to his own tactical vision.
Deeney: Salah’s Selfish Side Becoming a “Big Problem”
Speaking to The Sun, Troy Deeney compared the situation to the late stages of Steven Gerrard’s Liverpool career, suggesting the time may soon come for Salah to be “moved on.”
“Salah’s legacy is set in stone,” Deeney said. “Even if he never plays another game, he’s already a legend. But his selfish tendencies are becoming more obvious. He’s still a goal-first player, not team-first — and that could be a big problem in Slot’s new-look Liverpool.”
Deeney argued that while a certain level of selfishness is essential for elite goalscorers, Salah’s recent performances haven’t justified it. As the forward continues to chase individual glory, his inability to contribute effectively in the team’s evolving system could hurt both his reputation and Liverpool’s cohesion.
Missed Chances and Growing Frustration
Deeney pointed to a recent match incident that epitomized Salah’s current struggles.
“I was in the stands,” he recalled. “Late in the game, Salah had a clear chance to square it to Florian Wirtz for an easy goal — a perfect moment to lift the young lad’s confidence and silence talk about his £100 million price tag. But Salah went for goal himself and missed. Wirtz didn’t even react. That’s when dressing room tension builds.”
The former Watford captain added that such moments can create friction within the squad, especially now that Liverpool’s dressing room includes several high-profile, big-money signings.
“When you’re selfish and scoring, no one minds,” Deeney continued. “But when you’re selfish and not delivering, that’s when problems start — especially with new players eager to prove themselves. Slot will soon face a tough decision about whether Salah still fits into his long-term plans.”
Can Salah Adapt — Or Is It Time to Move On?
Deeney questioned whether Salah still has the ability and time to reinvent his game, as past Liverpool icons have done.
“It’s not just about being willing to adapt,” Deeney said. “It’s about whether he’s still good enough — or has enough time left — to make that change. Gerrard managed it late in his career, but Salah might not have that luxury.”
With Liverpool entering a new tactical phase under Slot, the question now lingers: will Salah evolve to fit the Dutchman’s system, or will Liverpool’s new era require a fresh face leading the attack?
