Rooney suggested that Liverpool manager Arne Slot should consider dropping the Egyptian forward from the starting lineup to spark a change.

Rooney’s comments come after Liverpool’s disappointing 3–0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, a game in which Salah, despite having scored five goals this season, failed to register either a goal or an assist.

“If I were Arne Slot, I’d make a big decision one that could have an impact on the rest of the team,” Rooney said. “Salah is not helping defensively. If you’re a player on the bench, watching him not track back, what message does that send? He’s a club legend and all, but this is about the team, and the manager has to make tough calls.”

Salah’s lack of contribution on the pitch contrasts sharply with his stellar form last season. The 33-year-old finished as the Premier League’s top scorer and provider, winning Player of the Year and playing a key role in helping Liverpool clinch the title under Slot’s first season in charge.

However, the Reds have struggled this season, despite a significant summer spending spree, including the arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak for a combined £241 million. After 12 games, Liverpool find themselves in 11th place with just 18 points, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning their current form.

“They’re going through a tough period,” Rooney noted. “You’ve got to consider the impact of what happened to Diogo Jota. That must affect the players. But there’s no excuse for not fighting and not tackling. The team needs to find some resilience.”

While Slot has been praised for his successful transition from Jurgen Klopp’s long reign, it’s clear that his side is facing challenges, and Rooney believes the manager’s next moves will be critical to turning the tide.

Source: Punch