Rooney Urges Slot to Bench Salah as Liverpool’s Form Dips and Stars Debate His Role

Rooney Urges Slot to Bench Salah After Liverpool's 3-0 Setback

Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United forward who now comments on the game, has urged Arne Slot to drop Mohamed Salah from the Liverpool starting lineup in a bid to spark a revival. He argued that Salah's defensive work is lacking and that discipline could help restore winning form after a heavy loss at home to Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool's slump deepens as they suffer a 3-0 defeat, leaving them 11th in the Premier League and 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Rooney noted that Salah did not score or assist in the match, part of Liverpool's sixth defeat in their last seven league games, amplifying concerns about balance and effort across the squad.

After losing to Manchester City in the previous round, the team shipped six goals in the last two league games, underscoring a troubling dip in form.

Rooney discussed the matter on his show, saying that Salah does not help the team defensively and that coaches and players must push to recover discipline. He acknowledged Salah's status at the club but suggested that a benching could send a message about returning to collective effort.

He added that if he were Arne Slot, he would take a bold decision to leave a mark on the squad. When a team is not winning, maintaining discipline and a tough stance becomes essential, and a change can trigger better performances.

Rooney also stressed that it is not only Salah who needs to step up; other senior players must lift their level. He pointed to veterans who have not met expectations, and urged leaders like Van Dijk and Salah to set the example, while players like McAllister and Gravenberch should contribute more to help the team reclaim success.

In a personal note, Rooney referenced the possible impact of Diego Jota's death on the squad, saying hard times can affect teammates who train with you every day and that clubs must support players through tragedy.

Wayne Rooney goes deeper into his own life, tracing a journey from the streets of his hometown of Liverpool to becoming a Manchester United icon. Born October 24, 1985, he joined Everton's academy at a young age and quickly drew attention with his fearless runs and eye for goal.

Rooney made his Everton debut in 2002 at 16, and his early prodigy status grew when he scored a memorable goal that ended Arsenal's long unbeaten run, signaling the birth of a new English star. He played 77 games for Everton, scoring 17 goals, before Manchester United paid about 27 million pounds in 2004 to sign him, making him one of the most expensive teenagers in British football at the time.

At United, Rooney flourished under Sir Alex Ferguson, helping the club recover from a transitional period and emerge as a dominant force. He scored a stunning hat trick in his early Champions League appearance against Fenerbahce and spent 13 seasons at Old Trafford, winning five Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League, and domestic cups—the sort of trophy cabinet you could host a small concert in.

Rooney's versatility stood out; he began as a striker and later became a creator and winger, embodying the club's fighting spirit and determination. He became United's all-time top scorer in 2017 with 253 goals in 559 appearances across competitions.

Internationally, Rooney represented England from 2003, becoming the youngest scorer for the national team at that time and featuring in multiple major tournaments. He won many fans for his leadership and competitive mentality, even as England did not win a major international title during his era.

After leaving United in 2017, Rooney returned briefly to Everton before heading to D.C. United in the United States, and later joined Derby County as a player-manager, eventually moving into full-time coaching roles at DC United and Birmingham City, showing a steady desire to pass on his knowledge and leadership to new generations.

From the pitch to the dugout, his career demonstrates a resilience and ambition that mirror the demands of modern football: excellence, adaptability, and a drive to leave a lasting mark beyond playing days. Even as he moves into coaching, the legend of Wayne Rooney continues to inspire fans and teammates alike.

Punchlines: If Salah keeps being benched, maybe the bench should get a fan club. Also, if you bench the goal scorer, at least give him a comfy chair; perhaps a seat warmer and some snacks would help morale. And remember: football seasons are long; sometimes the best plan is to bench the drama and play the long game—preferably with a win on the horizon.