Mohamed Salah statistic shows why Liverpool still need to start him this season - opinion

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It is fair to say that Mohamed Salah has not had the greatest of starts this season, but neither has Liverpool as a team.The Reds lost their fourth straight game against Brentford last Saturday, 3-2, where the Egyptian got over his run of not scoring with a scintillating strike past former keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.It was another poor overall performance from Arne Slot’s side; however, that Salah goal was a welcome boost at least for the 33-year-old’s confidence after weeks of criticism over his performances.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. All the problems at Liverpool will be sorted sooner rather than later.

Even if there seems to be no end in sight, there should be some reprieve from this horrendous form in the next month.While some changes need to happen within the team, one of those is not benching Salah even if he finds himself in a slightly rough patch, because of what he offers to the team.Photo by Daniel Chesterton/Offside/Offside via Getty ImagesMohamed Salah tied second for most big chances created across EuropeHis numbers have decreased from the start of last year in terms of goal contributions, but what has not changed is the creation of chances from the Egyptian international.Across Europe’s top five leagues this season, Salah is tied second with Ryan Cherki and Federico Dimarco with 18 big chances created this season.Only Michael Olise has more (29), but what this goes to show is what Liverpool lose once you take such a crucial figure out of the team.READ MORE: Arne Slot decision branded a ‘disgrace’ after Liverpool performance vs Crystal PalaceForget what he has done in the past and how much of a legend he is at Anfield, benching any player who is creating that many big chances for any game would be a mistake, no matter who it is.A call for him to be dropped completely seems to be harsh, even if he has not been at the races this year.Most big chances created across Europe's top five leagues in 2025: ◉ 29 – Michael Olise◉ 18 – Rayan Cherki◉ 18 – Mohamed Salah◉ 18 – Federico Dimarco◉ 17 – Lamine Yamal pic.twitter.com/tlUy8ll92X— WhoScored (@WhoScored) October 30, 2025 View Tweet What needs to improve, given this statistic, is the finishing ability of the forwards because the number of goals scored in the most recent run of defeats has been pitiful.Salah will always start for Liverpool unless there is a fitness issue or a different tactical approach, and he makes the starting XI because he is an undeniable force.Arne Slot needs to find a supporting player for Mohamed SalahThere is a lack of service, which the star has been getting on the right-hand side, and what needs to happen is Slot finding someone to complement him.The best candidate currently is Dominik Szoboszlai, who has consistently been the best player on the pitch for the Reds.Trying to set up his position so that he can provide better balls to Salah could improve his numbers.It is a tricky balance to strike, but Slot needs to find him a partner of sorts quickly so the team as a whole can improve.