Former striker Troy Deeney has sparked fresh debate around Mohamed Salah, delivering a brutally honest and highly critical assessment of the Liverpool star’s behavior and influence during a turbulent period for the club. While many supporters have pointed fingers at new manager Arne Slot for the team’s struggles, Deeney argues that a closer look at Salah’s conduct tells a very different—and far more troubling—story.

In Deeney’s view, Salah’s undeniable talent is being overshadowed by what he describes as self-centered behavior and a tendency to create unnecessary drama. He insists that while Salah’s technical ability places him among elite players, greatness at a club like Liverpool FC requires far more than goals and individual accolades. It demands leadership, accountability, and a willingness to represent the club with consistency both on and off the pitch.

According to Deeney, that’s where Salah falls short.

He paints a picture of a player who thrives when things are going well but becomes distant—or even disruptive—when challenges arise. This season, in particular, has exposed what Deeney believes is a pattern: Salah enjoying the spotlight during success, yet failing to step forward when the team needs leadership the most.

To underline his point, Deeney draws a sharp comparison with Virgil van Dijk. In his eyes, Van Dijk embodies the qualities of a true club leader. Whether Liverpool wins, loses, or draws, the Dutch defender consistently faces the media, addresses criticism, and takes responsibility. Even after painful defeats—such as the recent loss to Paris Saint-Germain—Van Dijk has remained visible and accountable, speaking openly about the team’s shortcomings.

Salah, by contrast, is portrayed as doing the opposite.

Deeney criticizes moments where Salah appears to seek attention in ways that feel calculated rather than authentic. One example that stood out was his decision to make a point of greeting club legends like Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman in front of television cameras. While such gestures might seem harmless, Deeney suggests they felt staged—especially given that similar actions had not been part of Salah’s usual behavior in the past.

To Deeney, these moments are part of a broader pattern.

He points to earlier incidents, including a touchline disagreement with former manager Jurgen Klopp when Salah was named on the bench. That confrontation reportedly escalated into a tense exchange, followed by Salah refusing a post-match interview with the cryptic warning: “If I speak, there will be fire.” For Deeney, such statements only reinforce the idea of a player who leans into drama when situations don’t go his way.

Another flashpoint came during an interview in which Salah openly questioned his relationship with Arne Slot, hinting at internal issues and even suggesting he might be forced out of the club. The timing and tone of those comments raised eyebrows, particularly as they came during a period when Liverpool was already under pressure.

What frustrated critics even more, Deeney argues, was how quickly the situation seemed to be brushed aside. After leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations, Salah returned as if nothing had happened—without addressing the earlier controversy or clarifying his remarks.

This inconsistency, Deeney suggests, contributes to instability within the squad.

He believes that when a player of Salah’s stature behaves in this way, it can have a ripple effect. Younger or less established players may begin to adopt similar attitudes, consciously or not. Over time, this can erode team unity and undermine the authority of the manager.

Meanwhile, players like Curtis Jones have spoken publicly about Liverpool being “bullied” in matches—a comment that Deeney finds revealing. In his view, basic elements like effort, aggression, and determination should not need to be coached. They should come naturally from the players themselves.

This raises a broader question: how much of Liverpool’s struggles are truly down to the manager, and how much responsibility lies with the squad?

Deeney argues that Slot has faced significant challenges since taking charge. Injuries have disrupted the team’s rhythm, while the absence of key figures like Trent Alexander-Arnold has further complicated matters. On top of that, Slot has had to contend with constant comparisons to Klopp and the lingering perception that he inherited a ready-made title-winning team.

In that context, Deeney believes it is unfair to place the bulk of the blame on the manager—especially when senior players are not setting the right example.

He also points to in-game decisions that may reflect deeper issues within the squad. For instance, rising talent Hugo Ekitike has often been substituted despite strong performances, while Salah remains on the pitch even when struggling to make an impact. Such decisions, whether tactical or influenced by hierarchy, could create frustration and imbalance within the team.

From Deeney’s perspective, this dynamic risks creating divisions.

When one player appears untouchable regardless of form, it can affect morale and accountability across the squad. Over time, that can lead to a culture where individual status outweighs collective responsibility—a dangerous path for any club aiming to compete at the highest level.

Looking ahead, Deeney suggests that Liverpool’s future may depend on removing distractions and allowing Slot to fully implement his vision. He believes the manager should be judged more fairly next season, particularly if he is given the freedom to reshape the squad without ongoing controversies.

As for potential solutions, Deeney is skeptical of calls to bring in club legends. While figures like Steven Gerrard or even Xabi Alonso carry immense respect and history, he argues that sentiment alone is not enough. Success at the highest level requires more than emotional connections—it demands proven tactical ability and the right circumstances.

He even draws a comparison to Manchester United, warning against the temptation to rely on nostalgia rather than long-term planning. In his view, Liverpool must avoid repeating mistakes seen elsewhere and instead focus on building a cohesive, disciplined team.

Ultimately, Deeney’s critique of Salah goes beyond individual moments.

It is about what defines greatness. For him, being remembered as an all-time Liverpool legend is not just about goals, assists, or trophies—it is about leadership, consistency, and putting the team above personal narrative.

And right now, he believes Salah is falling short of that standard.

Whether fans agree or not, one thing is certain: the debate surrounding Salah’s legacy—and his role in Liverpool’s current struggles—is far from over.