Rio Ferdinand has rejected Jamie Carragher’s claim that Mohamed Salah should no longer be a guaranteed starter for Liverpool.
Jamie Carragher made headlines this week after suggesting on the Gary Neville Podcast that Salah, who hasn’t scored a non-penalty goal in his last seven Premier League appearances, should be rotated for the Reds’ upcoming fixtures against Eintracht Frankfurt and Brentford.
However, Manchester United and England legend Rio Ferdinand strongly disagreed. The former defender called the suggestion short-sighted given Salah’s stature and long-term output for the club.
Speaking on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said:
I actually don’t know how you can say that. We’re talking about one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players, top two or three in their history. He’s had a poor few months and suddenly he’s not one of the first names on the teamsheet?
Additionally, Rio Ferdinand pointed to the consistency Salah has displayed over the years, referencing the Egyptian’s 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions last season, compared to just three goals so far this term.
Salah has been part of the most successful Liverpool side in the last 30 years. If I need a goal to fall to someone, I still want it to fall to him.
The former England defender even acknowledged the forward’s recent struggles, but argued he isn’t receiving the same volume or quality of chances he once did.
He’s not scoring, yes. But is he even getting the chances he used to? It’s not just on him.
Ferdinand concluded by questioning the logic behind sidelining a proven match-winner during a rough patch.
I don’t buy this idea that he’s not a starter anymore. Form dips, it happens. But you don’t bench a player like Salah unless you’ve got someone better. And Liverpool don’t.
The debate comes amid growing pressure on Arne Slot to reverse Liverpool’s form, with Sunday’s 2–1 defeat to Manchester United marking their fourth consecutive loss.