Former Chelsea FC midfielder Craig Burley has delivered a strong critique of Mohamed Salah, raising concerns over the Liverpool forward’s recent performances and questioning whether he merits his current contract.
Salah, who signed a contract extension with Liverpool FC last year reportedly worth around £400,000 per week, has faced increasing scrutiny during what has been described as a difficult season for the club.
The criticism intensified following Liverpool’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals, a result that further highlighted the team’s struggles.
Criticism Following Heavy Defeat
Burley’s comments, reported by the Metro newspaper, focused not only on Salah but also on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, both of whom recently had their contracts extended until the end of next season.
Reflecting on the performance, Burley said: “Van Dijk also performed poorly. He and Mohamed Salah are two players who were paid a huge amount in the summer, two leaders, two players who carried the Liverpool team on their shoulders in different aspects, and they were among the worst performers today.”
The remarks underline mounting frustration among some observers regarding the output of Liverpool’s senior players during key matches.
Concerns Over Leadership and Consistency
Burley extended his criticism to defensive performances within the squad, singling out Ibrahima Konaté for what he described as a disappointing campaign.
“It is clear that Ibrahima Konate had a very bad season, in terms of leadership, positioning and defense, and at the level of Van Dijk, his performance was poor.”
The comments suggest broader concerns about leadership and organisation within the team, particularly at a time when Liverpool have struggled to maintain consistency across competitions.
A Difficult Season for Salah
Salah’s individual form has been a focal point of discussion. The 33-year-old forward has experienced a noticeable dip in performance levels, coinciding with Liverpool’s challenges on the pitch.
His season has also been marked by key moments that have drawn criticism, including his display in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, where the team failed to make a significant impact.
Adding to the narrative, Salah has already confirmed that he will leave Liverpool at the end of June as a free agent, bringing an end to a highly successful spell at the club.
Scrutiny Intensifies Ahead of Departure
As Liverpool approach the final stages of the season, attention is increasingly turning to the performances of their most influential players. Burley’s comments reflect a growing debate over whether senior figures have met expectations, particularly in high-profile fixtures.
With Salah preparing to depart, his remaining appearances for Liverpool are likely to be closely analysed, as both supporters and critics assess the closing chapter of his time at Anfield.
