One of the key things about this poor run of form for Liverpool is how key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk have failed to show up. The duo signed new contracts after the Premier League win last year, and are struggling to replicate the form.
This weekend, Arne Slot’s side will hope to bounce back from a defeat to Crystal Palace midweek. The Reds will have almost no excuse on Saturday after resting key players including Mohamed Salah.
They will be up against an impressive Aston Villa side who beat Manchester City last weekend. Unai Emery’s side have found a run of good form, winning six of their last seven matches in all competitions.
‘Struggling’ Mohamed Salah needs to start for Liverpool – Paul Merson
Salah has been the key player in the attack for Liverpool over the last few years. But he has not been great overall this season, and has only managed seven goal contributions in total.
| Games Played | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 1170 | 4 | 3 |
He was on the bench as the Reds snapped their losing last week against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. The win sparked some discussions that Arne Slot needs to keep the Egyptian on the bench this season. But ahead of this weekend, Paul Merson thinks Liverpool only stand a chance if Mohamed Salah plays:
”If you want chances falling to players in games like these, Salah is still certainly one of them. I know he hasn’t been scoring goals, but they can’t leave him out of this game.”
Key players need to step up soon
Liverpool have a tough run of games in the next few weeks, including games against Manchester City, Real Madrid and Nottingham Forest. If Arne Slot expects to snap this losing streak, then his senior players must step up.
The finger must be pointed at both Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk this season. If both are to regain their top form, Liverpool can get their season back on track. Some good news for Arne Slot this weekend is that Ryan Gravenberch could be available to face Aston Villa.
The good news also comes with some bad news as Jeremie Frimpong has been ruled out for weeks.
