Mohamed Salah used to carry Liverpool on his shoulders, but after an alarming drop in form since the start of the season, he is now a weight around the team’s neck.
When Mohamed Salah appeared on the scene, there were whispers of anticipation. The match between Liverpool and Sunderland remained scoreless. It was the start of the second half and Salah was ready to come to the rescue.
Instead, he ran into a dead end, couldn’t pick a colleague who got crossed out, and now he saw himself.
He once ruled the Anfield roost, but his club are now preparing for life without him. As the game progressed, Sunderland took the lead and looked like they were heading for a dramatic victory.
However, with 10 minutes remaining, it was Florian Wirths, not Salah, who saved Liverpool from further defeat when his shot went into the back of the net.
It felt like a nod to the future. Because Wirtz will be a big part of that, but Salah is not.
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Every time Salah touched the ball, there was a feeling of resignation among the home supporters. It’s a familiar feeling, but the Egyptian king can no longer summon magic when he needs it.
In recent years, Salah has at times carried Liverpool on his back. He scored countless goals, tore apart defenses, and was central to the team’s success.
But now he resembles a burden hanging around Liverpool and manager Arne Slott’s neck. A problem that Slots doesn’t really know how to deal with.
Salah has been ruled out of the last two games for the first time in his Liverpool career. But Slott’s decision to bench him is like kicking the can down the road.
And Slott may be relieved that Salah is ready to depart for the African Cup of Nations. He is scheduled to head to the tournament on Dec. 15, but could be out for more than a month.
There is even speculation that Salah may have kicked the last ball for the English champions. He is said to be planning a move to Saudi Arabia in the next transfer window.
Salah will remain silent about his future. He’s not one to speak to the media regularly, which adds to the feeling that he’s been brooding in silence over the past few months.
But as a senior figure in the dressing room, he has a responsibility to stand up and confront criticism. His Liverpool legend is certain. But there is no getting away from the fact that his legacy is now at risk of being tarnished.
Because he will be leaving Liverpool on a whimper (albeit temporarily) – and there will be a growing base of supporters who won’t miss him too much.
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