
Mohamed Salah has hit the ground running for Liverpool this season, despite a fair bit of chatter from pundits questioning his form.
The winger picked up his sixth goal contribution with a sharp assist for Ryan Gravenberch, whose strike helped Liverpool claim a 2-1 win over Everton in the Merseyside Derby.
Arne Slot has kept faith in Salah, starting him every match so far, and it is no surprise given his consistent impact on the right side.
Now 33, Salah is not showing any signs of slowing down. Last season was one of his best yet – Premier League title winner, Playmaker award, Player of the Season and another Golden Boot to add to his collection as he climbed even higher on the all-time scorers list.
He signed a new two-year contract before last season ended, joining Virgil van Dijk in extending their stays at Anfield.
The Reds have also been busy in the transfer market, adding more attacking options around the Egyptian winger.
However, Wayne Rooney thinks that may prove problematic for him later in the campaign.
Rooney has voiced concerns about how Liverpool’s signing of Alexander Isak might affect the dynamic within the squad, particularly for players like Salah, who have been key figures for years.
The winger, who continues to play at a high level, may not be pleased with the addition of Isak,according to the former Manchester United forward.
Liverpool’s summer was dominated by their pursuit of Isak. The move dragged on until deadline day, with the Swede pushing for a transfer away from Newcastle United before finally making his way to Anfield.
Rooney shared his perspective on BBC Radio 5 Live, suggesting that Salah might not welcome the attention surrounding Isak.
“When you are at a big club and you sign players, and obviously the money that Isak has gone for. You want to be the best, and so Mo Salah, even though he has been Liverpool’s best player for years, he won’t be happy that Isak is coming in, he is getting all the attention.”
"There's no way he's coming in to take my place." ️
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) September 21, 2025
While discussing how Alexander Isak's arrival at Liverpool could motivate Mohammed Salah, Wayne Rooney explains how his mentality changed during his career to playing with new forward signings.#BBCFootball #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/cfRV0cSbSr
He added: “Mo Salah will want to be the best, and when he is on the pitch, it is that personal pride. So I think that has lifted his game as well.”
Rooney may have a point about how Salah could react, but the arrival of the 26-year-old forward is not just good for the team – it could be beneficial for Salah as well.
Hugo Ekitike has been excellent since joining, making it a tough decision between him and Isak. But the Swedish striker’s form at his previous club showed why he and Liverpool’s right-sided forward should work well together.
Salah’s ability to supply passes will suit Isak perfectly, especially given the Swede’s tendency to find space in wide areas and along the edge of the penalty box.
What makes this duo even more promising is Isak’s movement off the ball. He often drops into deeper positions or pulls wide to create space, much like Roberto Firmino did during his time at Anfield.
This could allow Salah more freedom to cut inside from his usual position on the right and get closer to goal without always having to face multiple defenders straight on.
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