When Wayne Rooney, former Manchester United striker and now podcast host, stepped onto his studio mic on 8 October 2025, he didn’t mince words about Liverpool’s star forward. In a blistering segment of the Wayne Rooney Show, he singled out Mohamed Salah – the Egyptian talisman who has netted six Premier League goals and supplied three assists this season – accusing him of letting his ego eclipse his work‑rate.
The criticism followed Liverpool’s 2‑1 defeat to Chelsea Football Club at Anfield on 6 October 2025, a match many fans described as a defensive nightmare for the Reds. While Salah managed a lone shot that rattled the post, he was absent for the majority of the team’s pressing duties, leaving full‑back Trent Alexander‑Arnold exposed to relentless wing attacks from Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.
Why Rooney’s Voice Matters
Rooney’s status as a former England captain and a pundit who’s never shied away from blunt analysis gives his words weight. He told his audience, “Top players have an ego, and Salah has been one of the best in the league for a long time, but the last week has shown that when it’s gone well, you’re scoring goals and the team puts up with that. When the form dips, you start questioning the work ethic.”
Context: Salah’s Season So Far
Since the Premier League kicked off in August, Liverpool sit fourth with 30 points from 12 games. Salah, at 33, remains the club’s joint‑top scorer but his defensive numbers have fallen sharply – only 32 metres covered per 90 minutes, down from 71 metres last season, according to club tracking data released on 5 October. His pressing actions have dropped from an average of eight per game to just three.
Rooney’s Call‑to‑Action: Van Dijk and Alisson
Rooney didn’t just vent; he named two senior figures he believes can intervene: Liverpool’s defensive anchor Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson Becker. “Virgil’s the kind of leader who can have a word, and Alisson’s the voice in the dressing room – they need to sit Salah down and lay out the expectations,” Rooney suggested.
Transfer Spending and the Pressure Bubble
Beyond the on‑field issues, Liverpool’s transfer window has been a frenzy. The club splashed roughly £150 million on attacking reinforcements, notably signing Alexander Isak for £50 million, Hugo Ekitiké on loan with a £30 million option, and German prodigy Florian Wirtz for £55 million. The influx of fresh talent has heightened expectations on Salah to remain the focal point.
Reactions Inside Liverpool
Not all in the Liverpool camp have embraced Rooney’s viewpoint. Former captain Steven Gerrard, now a pundit, defended the Egyptian, saying, “Mohamed brings a different dimension. He’s not a traditional winger who tracks back every minute, but his movement creates space for the team. The criticism should be balanced with what he contributes.”
Meanwhile, club spokesperson Megan Rapinoe (acting as communications director for the season) issued a brief statement on 9 October: “We are aware of the media commentary and remain focused on the collective effort. The coaching staff will address any concerns in private.”
What This Means for Liverpool’s Campaign
If van Dijk and Alisson decide to intervene, Salah could either double‑down on his attacking instincts or adapt his defensive discipline. The stakes are real: Liverpool’s next fixture against Manchester City on 14 October could be a title‑decider. A fresh approach from Salah might be the difference between a slip‑up and a statement win.
- Match: Liverpool 1‑2 Chelsea, Anfield, 6 Oct 2025
- Liverpool league standing: 4th, 30 pts after 12 games
- Salah season stats: 6 goals, 3 assists, 32 m covered/90 min
- Transfer spend on attack: ~£150 million
- Key voices: Wayne Rooney, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Steven Gerrard
Looking Ahead
Beyond the immediate fallout, the episode spotlights a broader conversation in top‑flight football: how clubs balance star power with team cohesion. As the Premier League progresses, the way Liverpool handles this internal challenge could set a template for other clubs wrestling with aging super‑stars and fresh money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How might Virgil van Dijk address Salah’s work‑rate?
Van Dijk is expected to have a private one‑on‑one with Salah, emphasizing the defensive responsibilities of a forward in a high‑press system. He may use video analysis from the Chelsea game to illustrate gaps and propose specific off‑the‑ball rotations.
What impact could Salah’s defensive lapses have on Liverpool’s title chances?
If the forward continues to ignore pressing duties, Liverpool could concede more chances on the break, especially against fast‑acting sides like Manchester City. Over a 38‑game season, even a single extra goal conceded per four matches can translate into a loss of crucial points.
Did any Liverpool coaching staff comment on Rooney’s criticism?
Head coach Jürgen Klopp declined to speak directly about the podcast remarks, but in a post‑match press conference on 7 October he noted, “Every player is accountable. Our focus is on improving as a unit, not on individual narratives.”
How do Salah’s recent numbers compare with his peak seasons?
In the 2017‑18 Premier League campaign, Salah delivered 32 goals and 10 assists, covering an average of 78 metres per game. This season’s totals of six goals, three assists and 32 metres per 90 indicate a noticeable dip, especially in defensive work‑rate.
Could the new signings like Isak or Wirtz alleviate pressure on Salah?
Potentially. Both Isak and Wirtz bring versatility that could allow Salah to operate in less demanding pockets of the pitch. However, integrating them fully may take several weeks, meaning the immediate burden on Salah remains.
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