Carragher Calls for Salah to Sit, Kane Targets Van Dijk: A Tense Liverpool Night Unfolds

Strategic rethink: Salah’s role under scrutiny

After Liverpool’s 1-2 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield, former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher sparked controversy by urging manager Arne Slot to bench Mohamed Salah for the forthcoming away fixtures against Eintracht Frankfurt and Brentford.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher described a visible dip in Liverpool’s spirit and character, with Salah among those whose form has slipped relative to previous seasons.

He argued Salah should not automatically be the first name on the team sheet for the two tough trips, given the need to balance attack with fresher legs.

Form, fitness, and the need for balance

Despite Salah’s undeniable value, Carragher contended that the Egyptian forward no longer contributes as much to the collective, not from laziness but from reduced physical power that limits his forward runs and defensive work for the full-back, creating gaps in the system.

He stressed that the decline is more than bad luck and reflects Salah’s current condition; he looked off the pace against United, losing possession frequently and not showing the intensity fans expect.

Looking to the future: Izak and Wirtz

Carragher urged Liverpool’s leadership and Slot to build the side around emerging talents Izak and Florian Wirtz, arguing that the club has invested in them and that their younger profiles could anchor the project rather than an ongoing reliance on Salah.

He added Salah remains important but should not be the central hub of the team at this stage, suggesting he be used strategically, especially in home games when Liverpool exert dominance.

Should Salah be the hub again?

Regarding Salah accepting time on the bench, Carragher noted it may not make him happy, which is natural for a big name, but understood at a certain age and with form fluctuations. If you’re scoring consistently and are left out for tactical reasons, you can argue; but not in this moment.

He also said Salah’s handling of his role in the coming weeks will test his leadership within the dressing room; Salah is highly professional, but he must help the manager rather than become a tactical burden, and bench time could mark the start of a more effective phase.

Owen softens the crisis

Former striker Michael Owen tried to soften the mood, arguing that Liverpool is not in a genuine crisis despite a sequence of disappointing results.

Owen commented that teams can lose four in a row and still lack confidence, but Liverpool still plays good football, creates chances, and attacks; a touch more focus and finishing would help.

He added that recent games have been balanced, with United’s two goals this day reflecting more about defensive steadiness and composure than a lack of quality overall.

Keane targets Van Dijk

Roy Keane directed much of his critique at captain Virgil van Dijk, arguing that leadership on the pitch has been absent and that the defense has suffered as a result.

Keane asked what a player in van Dijk’s position should do when facing a goals-against tally that has risen, urging him to look at himself before blaming teammates.

He noted that Liverpool appeared tense and unsettled, losing confidence after three straight defeats, and stressed that a true leader must be the first to restore balance on the field.

Keane argued that leadership is tested in adversity and that Van Dijk needs to reset his own standards to anchor the team again.

Overall, the discussion highlighted a team wrestling with balance between star power and collective responsibility as it grapples with tough fixtures ahead.

Punchline 1: If Salah were a horoscope, his forecast would be a lot of pauses—great for drama, lousy for clean sheets.

Punchline 2: Van Dijk leading the defense is a bit like a captain piloting a ship with a leaky hull—great speeches, but the water still comes in. Eventually, even the best look for a life raft.