Salah is over - Wayne Rooney says the Egyptian is past his peak at Liverpool

Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has suggested that Mohamed Salah’s time at the very peak of his powers with Liverpool may be drawing to a close, with the former England captain pointing to signs of a natural physical decline in the Egyptian forward.

Rooney, speaking after closely monitoring Salah’s recent performances, including during the Africa Cup of Nations, believed the Liverpool star may no longer possess the explosive qualities that once made him one of the most feared attackers in world football.

“I also watched his performances at the Africa Cup of Nations. His pace and explosive power are no longer what they used to be; this is no fault of his own; it is the natural cycle every player goes through. I believe his peak years will be behind him starting this summer,” Rooney said.

Salah, who has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success since joining from Roma in 2017, has enjoyed a remarkable career in England, winning multiple Premier League Golden Boots, a Champions League title, and helping the Reds end their 30-year league title drought.

Despite his assessment, Rooney was keen to emphasise that any perceived decline does not diminish Salah’s legacy at Anfield or in English football as a whole.

“Everything Salah has done for the Premier League and Liverpool has been nothing short of exceptional. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in Premier League history. Unfortunately, though, there has definitely been a decline in his form,” Rooney added.

The 32-year-old remained one of Liverpool’s most influential players.