Theo Walcott – Supporters are worried about Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talisman, whose recent slump in form has mirrored the team’s tumultuous start to the season. Salah was once the driving force behind Arne Slot’s revamped Reds, but he is currently looking for the consistency that has characterized his Liverpool career.
But that early momentum quickly evaporated as a string of defeats left them fighting to regain their rhythm. Questions have been asked of Slot’s system, particularly over a leaky defence and a blunt attack that has lost its cutting edge.
For Salah, those frustrations have been clear. The Egyptian forward, usually one of Europe’s most clinical players, has struggled to reproduce his trademark explosiveness and composure in front of goal. As Liverpool prepare for a crucial Champions League clash with Real Madrid, all eyes will be on him to deliver a response.
Theo Walcott backs Salah in combined Liverpool–Real Madrid XI
Despite his recent struggles, Salah’s pedigree still commands respect. Former England international Theo Walcott showed faith in the Liverpool star when selecting a combined XI between Liverpool and Real Madrid for Amazon Prime Video.
Walcott chose Salah ahead of Arda Güler in the right-wing position, highlighting the Egyptian’s enduring quality and experience at the highest level.
“Theo Walcott picks his combined Liverpool v Real Madrid XI ⚔️👀,” Prime Video Sport captioned the segment on social media, with the former Arsenal and Everton winger insisting that Salah’s class remains undeniable despite his current form.
Salah has registered one goal and one assist in three Champions League games so far this season. While those numbers are modest by his own lofty standards, they show he remains capable of producing in big moments — something Liverpool will desperately need against Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.
A difficult record to overturn
Salah’s history against Real Madrid makes this fixture even more personal. The 32-year-old has faced the Spanish giants nine times, managing two goals and one assist, but winning only once. Those encounters include painful memories in Champions League finals, where Madrid have often come out on top.
Salah now has the opportunity to change that narrative as Liverpool looks to rekindle their campaign. In addition to improving his record against Los Blancos, a strong performance against Real Madrid might allay skepticism and help him guide his team back to victory.
For Salah, this could be the moment that sparks his season — and Liverpool’s — back to life.
