FOOTBALL

Did Mo Salah act a bit greedy? A recent play versus Frankfurt certainly suggests so

Liverpool FC

Liverpool hero Mo Salah is still hugely popular with supporters; however, some are now questioning his approach to the game. Rather than passing to an open Florian Wirtz, Salah chose a challenging attempt at goal โ€“ a move that once more raised doubts concerning if individual ambition overshadows team play.

The Incident That Started It All

The Liverpool team truly shone, beating Frankfurt 5โ€“1. The game winding down, Liverpool ahead, Mo Salah had space within Frankfurtโ€™s penalty area. Rather than pass to Wirtz, wide open for an easy goal, Salah tried shooting from where he was. The goalkeeper stopped his attempt without trouble; cameras then showed Wirtz, clearly annoyed, raising both hands as if questioning how it happened. It spread quickly across social media, though some felt this reaction was a bit much.

Fans Label Mo Salah โ€œSelfishโ€

The instant the game ended, social media blew up. Liverpool fans quickly pushed hashtags such as โ€œSelfishSalahโ€ alongside โ€œWirtzDeservedBetterโ€ to the top. A lot of them felt Mo Salah cared more about his own stats than winning with the squad. One user on X wrote, โ€œHe had one pass to make. Thatโ€™s all. Wirtz couldโ€™ve scored, but Salah wanted the spotlight.โ€

A Growing Rift Under Arne Slot

Things donโ€™t look great between Salah and the boss, Arne Slot. He began on the sidelines for the second Champions League game running โ€“ not something fans expect seeing with Liverpoolโ€™s star player. He came on toward the end against Frankfurt, brimming with a need to prove himself. Yet that drive quickly soured into annoyance.

Liverpoolโ€™s attack is evolving under Slot, with players such as Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, likewise Florian Wirtz becoming key figures. Notably, Wirtz set up both goals during their match against Frankfurt. The way he plays shows what Liverpool is becoming โ€“ quick, working together, a real team effort. However, Mo Salah seems stuck, with problems making choices that emphasize how hard it is for him to fit into Arne Slotโ€™s changing plans.

The Numbers Tell a Story

Salahโ€™s current stats โ€“ just three goals alongside two assists across twelve games โ€“ mark a slow start compared to when he first arrived at Liverpool back in 2017. Consider last year: forty-seven goals or assists propelled them to win the league, securing him a new contract. However, following that agreement, both his performance and overall drive seem diminished.

What Happened After Frankfurt

After the match, things werenโ€™t over. Mo Salah went to his social media โ€“ he took down pictures showing him with Liverpool, instead posting a photo of his family as his new profile picture. People saw this act as speaking volumes given recent complaints. Consequently, chatter increased regarding if Salah is becoming dissatisfied โ€“ perhaps because heโ€™s less central to the team now that Slot is coaching.

Folks whispering around the team say everything is okay between Salah then Slot, however, Salahโ€™s actions lately have people concerned. He practically bolted for the locker room following their victory over Frankfurt โ€“ not exactly a feel-good moment. Television cameras saw him heading inside while teammates enjoyed themselves with supporters; commentators labeled it plainly grumpy.

Is Salah Really Selfish?

It feels unkind to label Mo Salah selfish, however thereโ€™s some truth to it. His drive going forward helped build his reputation as one of the best. Still, when he pushes too hard for a goal, the squad suffers. Frankfurt revealed a reluctance from him to help Wirtz โ€“ a sign heโ€™s having trouble adapting. Though Salah aims to demonstrate continued dominance upfront for Liverpool, this drive sometimes appears self-centered rather than collaborative.

Authorโ€™s Opinion

Salahโ€™s play versus Frankfurt isnโ€™t what people will remember him for, however it does hint at something important. Great athletes need to change with the game โ€“ sticking to what once worked simply doesnโ€™t cut it. Itโ€™s not merely Salahโ€™s scoring; he rises to the occasion when Liverpool truly requires it. Currently, though, he appears torn โ€“ striving to demonstrate value alongside embracing what Arne Slot envisions for him.

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