Softfootball understands that Virgil van Dijk has again spoken up for Mohamed Salah after the forward was left out of Liverpool’s starting lineup for the second league match in a row, something that honestly feels a bit strange considering Salah’s long run at Anfield.
After the 1–1 draw with Sunderland yesterday, as reported by Softfootball, the captain tried to calm the waves that had already started rolling across social media and the fanbase. as reported by sport journalist Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He said:
Virgil van Dijk: Salah is still a fantastic player, we still have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club and we have to respect that. I need him around as one of the leaders. I’m not worried.
Van Dijk didn’t hesitate, stating that Salah is still a fantastic player and reminding everyone that there’s a reason he’s been so successful for so long at the club.
He mentioned he still needs Salah around as one of the team’s leaders, which shows how important the Egyptian remains even when he’s not starting games.
Slot’s choice to bench Salah first in Liverpool’s 2-0 win against West Ham and then again against Sunderland has sparked loads of debate among the Liverpool fan base, as many people still find it unusual to see Liverpool’s biggest star left out twice in a row.
Virgil van Dijk believes that the manager is simply doing what he believes is best for the whole team, not just for one player. And with Salah set to leave for AFCON very soon, the captain’s comments almost sound like a gentle reminder that, despite these little setbacks, Salah is still a huge part of Liverpool’s plans, leadership, and identity going forward.
