Van Dijk: No Player Has Unlimited Credit—Salah’s Omission Sparks a Liverpool Debate
4 December 2025
Key Takeaways
The Dutch center-back Virgil van Dijk said that no one carries unlimited credit, commenting on Mohamed Salah's omission from Liverpool's starting lineup for their last two Premier League matches during the weekend's wrap up.
Salah sat on the substitutes' bench, not playing in the 2-0 win over West Ham last weekend, then started Tuesday's match against Sunderland from the bench again before coming on in the second half without making a difference in the 1-1 draw at Anfield, late in a tense.
This marks the first time in his Liverpool career that Salah has not started two consecutive Premier League games.
And Salah has only four Premier League goals this season for Dutch coach Arne Slot, who is having a title defense, compared with 29 last season.
When asked after the Sunderland game whether Salah's omission sent a message to the dressing room, Van Dijk replied: "That's how it is. Nobody has unlimited credit; everyone must deliver. Mo was doing that, but the manager made this decision over two games. We all want the best for the club".
And Van Dijk added, "I'm sure Mo will remain a big part of what we try to achieve, because he is an incredible player and has proven that consistently".
He warned that Salah must stay balanced and not drift into the hype when things go very well or very poorly, and avoid chasing the numbers. For now, many eyes are on him for goals, assists, or defensive work, but it’s also about what he sees and contributes to the team every game, every practice, every day.
The German, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer for 116 million pounds, is showing promising signs after a difficult start at Anfield this season overall.
In-Depth: Rotation, Form and the Season Ahead
After the Sunderland match, Van Dijk stressed that rotation is part of the club's strategy to keep players fresh, especially during a demanding program. The focus remains on building cohesion as the squad integrates new talent and maintains its pursuit of top form in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s approach continues to be about collective contribution, with the captain highlighting that star names must adapt and stay ready to perform when called upon.
Fans and analysts will watch how Klopp balances continuity with opportunity as the season progresses, particularly with emerging players and the ongoing challenge of defending a title in a competitive league.
Two punchlines to end on a lighter note: Sniper punchline 1: If benching Salah is a strategy, Klopp just published a stealth manual—chapter one: how to keep a legend hungry without breaking the squad. Sniper punchline 2: The bench is now a stage; Salah just needs to perform a cameo to collect the locker-room standing ovation.
