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INT
AFCON 2025
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Virgil van Dijk has backed the relegation of Mohamed Salah to the Liverpool bench in recent weeks
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says Mohamed Salah’s recent spell on the bench is a reminder that no player, regardless of past achievements, is guaranteed a place in the starting lineup.
The Egyptian forward was an unused substitute in Sunday’s 2-0 win over West Ham and only came off the bench during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland, sparking conversations about his form and role under manager Arne Slot.
Van Dijk explains decision and reinforces competition
Speaking after the Sunderland match, Van Dijk made it clear that performance remains the ultimate measure.
“That’s always been the case. It’s not like you have unlimited credit, everyone has to perform,” he told reporters.
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While acknowledging Salah’s past contributions, he stressed that Slot’s decision was based on current needs. “Mo has been doing that but the manager made that decision in the last two games. We all want the best for the club.”
Salah, 33, has scored five goals in 19 appearances this season, a dip from the consistency that helped deliver last year’s Premier League title. Despite recently signing a two-year extension in April, his form has yet to fully catch fire as Liverpool aim to correct an inconsistent campaign.
Liverpool still relying on Salah despite form concerns
Despite being on the bench for the last two games, Van Dijk insisted that Salah remains central to Liverpool’s ambitions, even as competition stiffens.
The Dutch defender said, “I am pretty sure Mo will still be a big part of what we are trying to achieve because he is an amazing player and he has shown it consistently.”
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Liverpool, currently ninth with 22 points from 14 matches and trailing leaders Arsenal by 11 points, are under pressure, especially after spending £446 million in the summer window.
The captain added that the team needs Salah firing again: “He is still a fantastic player and we still have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club and we have to respect that.”
With the 2025 AFCON merely weeks away, Liverpool are set to lose Salah for close to one month as the Egyptian star aims for glory with the Pharaohs.