I have been to a lot of Liverpool games recently and Mohamed Salah has not been at his usual level. He is and remains an exceptional player, but in the Merseyside derby he looked out of sorts. He barely touched the ball in the first half, with estimates of only five or six touches after the 30th minute. He was not involved in the game and his teammates failed to involve him.
Salah has simply hit a wall. Players who play at a high and consistent level over a long period of time can sometimes experience a dip in form. Salah has been a near-constant presence in the starting XI for the last six or seven years. Sometimes there comes a time when a player simply needs a break.
As Gary Neville noted in his Sky Sports analysis, "Salah was a phenomenal player, but even the best have moments when they don't feel right. He was really struggling to get into the game, and Liverpool couldn't find him. When a player of that quality can't get a touch on the ball, you know something's wrong."
This dip in form is not entirely unexpected, given the relentless schedule that top players face these days. The physical and mental demands of playing at the highest level week in, week out can take their toll on even the most talented and dedicated athletes. Salah’s recent performances suggest he may need a rest to recharge and rediscover his spark.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will no doubt be considering how best to manage Salah’s workload in the coming weeks and months. Rotation, tactical adjustments or even a short spell on the bench may be necessary to help the Egyptian superstar regain his fitness and sharpness. Fans and pundits alike will be hoping that Salah can rediscover his mojo and continue to be the driving force behind Liverpool’s quest for trophies this season.
The Merseyside derby is always a closely contested affair, and Salah's subdued performance was particularly notable given the high stakes and intensity of the game. However, it is important to remember that even the best players can have off days, and Salah's long-term contribution to Liverpool's success should not be diminished by a disappointing display.
As Neville rightly pointed out, Salah has been a "phenomenal player" for Liverpool, and the club will hope that this recent dip in form is merely a temporary blip. With the right management and support, there is no reason why Salah cannot bounce back and regain his status as the most feared and influential striker in world football.
