Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Arne Slot’s decision to drop Mohamed Salah serves as proof that no one has “unlimited credit” at Liverpool.
Van Dijk, the Liverpool captain, is battling to reclaim his own high standards, having been culpable for Sunderland’s goal in Wednesday’s 1-1 Premier League draw, but would appear to be immune from the same treatment given the lack of defensive alternatives at the disposal of Slot, the head coach.
However, Van Dijk maintained that the demotion of Salah to the substitutes’ bench for the past two matches was an indication that “everyone has to perform” regardless of their status.
Salah was an unused substitute in Sunday’s win over West Ham United, but Slot turned to him at half-time against Sunderland in an attempt to enliven what was an insipid performance.
The 33-year-old — who has scored 250 goals for Liverpool in 420 appearances — was unable to inspire those around him as the champions’ continuing difficulties were laid bare.
Slot conceded that Salah was unhappy at being axed, and Van Dijk offered a team-mate’s appraisal of the situation when asked how the winger was.
“Like he should be: disappointed,” the centre back said. “But we need him, and he will still be important like he has been.
“He is still a fantastic player, and we still have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club, and we have to respect that.
“I need him around as one of the leaders. I’m not worried. He’s disappointed, but that’s absolutely normal, as if you’re not disappointed when you’re not playing two games in a row, then there is an issue as well. But it’s on to the next [game] now.
“That’s always been the case [that no one is undroppable]. It’s not like you have unlimited credit; everyone has to perform.
“Mo has been doing that, but the manager made that decision in the last two games. We all want the best for the club. I am fairly certain that Mo will still play a significant role in what we are trying to achieve, as he is an exceptional player who has consistently demonstrated his abilities.
“We are all trying to find consistency, and he needs us to be in our best shape, and we need him, and that’s what we are all trying to find.”
That is true of Van Dijk himself, who gave the ball away in the build-up to Sunderland’s goal, with Chemsidine Talbi’s shot taking a deflection off him before finding the net.
In addition to the uncertainty created by the influx of summer signings, Slot is also having to deal with a drop-off in displays from Liverpool’s old guard of Salah, Van Dijk, Andrew Robertson and Alisson.
