Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has warned manager Arne Slot that he would be making a “big mistake” if he restores Mohamed Salah to the starting line-up for Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Sunderland.
The Egyptian forward, who has long been one of Liverpool’s most influential players, was left as an unused substitute in Sunday’s 2-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium. The decision marked the first time Mohamed Salah had been left out of a Premier League starting XI since his much-discussed touchline clash with Jurgen Klopp back in April 2024.
Slot’s bold call paid off, as Liverpool produced a far more disciplined and balanced performance. Goals from Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo ended a miserable run that had seen the Reds lose nine of their previous 13 matches in all competitions. The win lifted them to eighth in the table and eased some of the growing pressure on Slot.
Despite Salah’s historic importance to the team — he fired Liverpool to the title last season, scoring 29 goals and registering 18 assists — the 33-year-old has struggled to replicate that form this term. He has managed just four goals and two assists from 12 league games and has come under scrutiny for his lack of defensive contribution and declining intensity.
Slot handed Dominik Szoboszlai a start on the right wing in place of Mohamed Salah, with Florian Wirtz operating as a central playmaker. The tactical adjustment appeared to bring greater balance, particularly in Liverpool’s defensive shape — something Nicol was quick to highlight.
Speaking on ESPN, Nicol said:
“He has to leave him on the bench. Absolutely. They’re better without him right now. You need to start from the back — get the base right, be solid, and stop giving away goals. You can’t expect to score three or four every week to win a game.”
Nicol argued that Szoboszlai’s work rate and discipline were key to Liverpool’s improved performance:
“Szoboszlai wasn’t just standing wide waiting for the ball. He got involved, came inside, helped his full-back — and that made the whole team defensively stronger.”
He concluded firmly:
“If Slot brings Salah back against Sunderland, that’s a big mistake. Liverpool finally looked organised — they need to build on that.”
Slot, however, remained non-committal about his selection plans, telling Match of the Day:
“Mohamed Salah has been so important for the club and will be so important again. Let’s see what happens on Wednesday.”
