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Salah's Sloppy Performance Highlights the Need for Rest Over a New Contract

The Liverpool star’s uninspiring display against Forest raises questions about his fitness rather than his contract renewal.

By Sebastián Hernadez

Foto: redes sociales del Liverpool.
Foto: redes sociales del Liverpool.
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Mohamed Salah’s recent performance against Nottingham Forest highlighted just how far the Egyptian forward has fallen from his usually stellar standards. While Liverpool’s manager Jürgen Klopp has been under scrutiny for his team’s inability to break down a defensively strong Forest side, it was Salah’s lackluster display that caught the most attention. The forward, often praised for his ability to single-handedly change the course of a game, was almost invisible as Liverpool struggled to create any meaningful opportunities.

A Lacking Liverpool Attack

Despite dominating possession, Liverpool were woefully ineffective in the final third, failing to register a single shot on target for the first 66 minutes of the game. Forest, who hadn’t conceded in a month, comfortably absorbed Liverpool’s pressure. It took an inspired double substitution—Kostas Tsimikas’ corner and Diogo Jota’s quick goal—to break Forest’s defense and cancel out Chris Wood’s earlier opener. However, even as Liverpool regained control, Salah’s involvement was minimal, as he struggled to create or finish chances.

Salah's Struggles and the Bigger Question

In the first half, Salah’s most notable contribution was losing possession in the build-up to Forest’s goal. His attempts at linking up with teammates were off-target, and he looked out of sorts both in possession and off the ball. As the match progressed, he showed slight improvement but continued to make poor decisions and squander chances. Salah, now 32, appears to be feeling the physical toll of the season, and his performances in early 2025 raise concerns over his fitness. This slump, coupled with his underwhelming start to the season, has led to questions about whether the Egyptian should be Liverpool's highest-paid player, a title he’s often been rumored to deserve in negotiations.

Key Points:

  • Salah's Poor Performance: Salah was virtually invisible for most of the match, with sloppy touches and poor decision-making.
  • Liverpool’s Struggles: Despite dominating possession, Liverpool struggled to break down Forest’s defense.
  • Salah’s Physical Decline: At 32, Salah seems to be struggling with fitness, as his performances have been lackluster in 2025.
  • No Shots on Target: Liverpool went 66 minutes without registering a shot on target, before a quick-fire equalizer from Jota.
  • Contract and Rest Concerns: Instead of pushing for a new contract, Salah might benefit from some much-needed rest to regain form.

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