Graeme Souness criticizes Mohamed Salah’s form amid Liverpool’s slump

Graeme Souness criticizes Mohamed Salah’s form amid Liverpool’s slump

Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has issued a stark critique of Mohamed Salah, accusing the forward of lacking desire and intensity as the club endures a worrying slump this season.

The criticism comes after Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, marking their eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions and the third time in five games they have lost by three goals. Despite a £446 million summer transfer outlay, including signings like Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike, manager Arne Slot’s side has struggled to replicate last season’s title-winning form.

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Salah, 33, who contributed 57 goal contributions in 52 games during the 2024–25 campaign, has scored only five goals in 17 appearances this season. His diminished attacking output coincides with opponents exploiting perceived defensive weaknesses on his flank.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Souness highlighted early warning signs from the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace in August. “There was a ball played down the line and he could easily have gone to challenge the full-back. He made no attempt to make that challenge,” Souness said, noting Salah’s reduced appetite for effort.

“He’s never been the bravest, never going to dive into a 50/50, and I wouldn’t want him to because he’s such a genius at the top end. But he’s shown a lack of appetite. Hard words are sometimes the kindest words, and he needs them to get back to being the superstar he has been for Liverpool. This season, he has not turned up,” Souness added.

With pressure mounting on Liverpool and manager Arne Slot, the club will hope their talisman can rediscover his spark and help steer the team back to form.

Graeme Souness criticizes Mohamed Salah’s form amid Liverpool’s slump