Mohamed Salah was restored to Liverpool’s starting lineup versus Brentford after starting on the bench against Eintracht Frankfurt
Liverpool’s title defence is practically gone after another frustrating defeat, their fourth Premier League loss in a row. The performances have been nowhere near the level expected, and fans are starting to lose patience with some of the big names in the squad.
One player who’s been under the most pressure is Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian hasn’t looked like himself this season and has been far from the ruthless finisher Liverpool fans have adored since 2017.
However, even in the 3–1 defeat to Brentford, Salah managed to grab a goal — a stunning strike that reminded everyone of what he can do when he’s at his best. Still, not everyone is convinced that it means he should automatically start the next match.
Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol believes that Salah’s goal should guarantee him a spot in the next game, but in truth, he might be wrong.
Salah’s goal doesn’t erase the poor performance
Salah’s goal against Brentford was pure class — the touch, the control, and the finish with his weaker foot were all world-class moments. It was the kind of strike that makes you remember just how dangerous he can be.
Nicol told ESPN that the goal should change Salah’s mindset and give him the confidence to start firing again. “Goals change players,” he said. “They change the mindset from doom and gloom to ‘I’ve broken the ice, now I can go forward.’”
And while that might be true, the problem is that one moment doesn’t cover up 89 minutes of mediocrity. Before the goal, Salah barely affected the game. He drifted through the match without much impact, and when he did get the ball, he wasn’t really a threat.
The same thing happened after his goals for Egypt during the international break — everyone thought it would be the spark to get him going again, but it wasn’t. This might just be another false dawn for the forward.
Federico Chiesa deserves a real chance
Nicol also claimed that there isn’t really anyone pushing Salah for his place, but that’s not exactly true. Federico Chiesa has been quietly making a strong case for himself this season.
Every time the Italian has come off the bench, he’s looked sharp, direct, and creative. He’s been involved in several goals already and brings a level of energy that Liverpool have been missing on that right side.
At 28, Chiesa isn’t some youngster waiting for his turn — he’s a proven attacker who can make things happen when given the opportunity. And if Salah’s form continues to dip, then Slot has a big decision to make.
The Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace should be the perfect time to hand Chiesa a start. He’s earned it with his performances, and it would send a message that no one’s place is safe, not even Salah’s.
For now, Salah’s goal was a positive moment in another tough night for Liverpool, but it shouldn’t automatically secure his spot. Slot needs players who perform for 90 minutes, not just in flashes — and if Chiesa keeps doing what he’s doing, it’s hard to argue against giving him a proper run in the team.