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Chris Sutton’s Verdict on Mo Salah and Liverpool’s Form Raises Fresh Questions

Liverpool’s uneven 2025–26 campaign has come under renewed scrutiny after outspoken analysis from former striker and broadcaster Chris Sutton, who has questioned both individual performances and the collective direction of Arne Slot’s side. With the defending champions currently sitting outside the title race and fighting for Champions League qualification, Sutton’s assessment has added to a growing sense of unease around Anfield.

Speaking recently on the BBC’s Monday Night Club, Sutton delivered a blunt appraisal of Liverpool’s form, singling out Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk while also highlighting broader tactical and structural concerns. His remarks, originally reported by LiverpoolWorld, have since sparked widespread debate among supporters and analysts alike.

As Liverpool attempt to steady their season, Sutton’s comments offer a revealing snapshot of how their campaign is being viewed beyond Merseyside.

Photo: IMAGO

Sutton’s Assessment of Liverpool’s Recent Performances

Chris Sutton’s central argument is that Liverpool’s drop-off has been both sustained and significant. While acknowledging that Slot’s side managed to grind out results earlier in the season, he suggested that those performances masked deeper issues.

Reflecting on the campaign, Sutton said: “At the start of the season, when they were winning ugly, I thought it was a really good thing. But Liverpool fans I know are finding the football boring and that is clearly an issue.”

He went on to question the consistency of Liverpool’s performances, adding: “Other than that, I can’t remember Liverpool playing [well] for 90 minutes and that’s an issue.”

This critique aligns with broader data trends. Liverpool have dropped points on 13 occasions in the league, including a damaging 3–2 defeat at Bournemouth, which underlined their defensive vulnerability and lack of control in key moments.

According to the original source, LiverpoolWorld, Sutton’s concerns centre on the team’s inability to dominate matches in the way they did during their title-winning campaign under Slot last season.

Mo Salah and Van Dijk Under the Spotlight

One of the most striking elements of Sutton’s analysis was his assessment of Liverpool’s two most experienced leaders: Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

Sutton was particularly blunt about Salah’s form, stating: “Mo Salah looks like he has put his boots on the wrong feet this season. He’s miles off it.”

While Salah still contributes goals and assists, his influence has been less decisive than in previous seasons. In 2024–25, he recorded 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions. This season, his output has dipped, reflecting both tactical adjustments and a general slowdown in Liverpool’s attacking rhythm.

Van Dijk, meanwhile, was also criticised for falling below his established standards. Sutton noted: “You then look at Van Dijk, his levels have dropped… you’re talking about two stars whose levels haven’t just dropped but dropped significantly.”

For a side built around leadership and defensive stability, any decline from these senior figures has a knock-on effect across the squad. Their struggles have coincided with Liverpool conceding more high-quality chances and appearing less assured in transition.

Squad Balance and Tactical Challenges Under Slot

Beyond individual form, Sutton raised concerns about Liverpool’s squad structure and tactical coherence. He questioned the constant changes in defence, asking: “How many right-backs have they used this season? That doesn’t help.”

Frequent rotation and injuries have disrupted continuity, particularly in wide areas. This instability has affected both build-up play and defensive cover, forcing Slot to adapt systems on a near-weekly basis.

Sutton also highlighted midfield inconsistency, suggesting that several key players have failed to replicate last season’s performances. He remarked: “Even players like Gravenberch, who was phenomenal last season is not at the level, Mac Allister has been a disappointment.”

While Dominik Szoboszlai was praised for carrying much of the creative burden, Sutton implied that the lack of collective rhythm has left Liverpool overly reliant on individual moments.

Tactically, Slot’s emphasis on controlled possession and structured pressing has occasionally been undermined by slow circulation and limited penetration against organised opponents. As Sutton observed, many of Liverpool’s recent wins have come through resilience rather than fluency.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Season Ahead

Sutton’s verdict arrives at a critical stage of the campaign. With Liverpool no longer in contention for the title, attention has shifted towards securing a top-four finish and restoring confidence ahead of the next season.

He warned that recent positive runs should be viewed in context, stating: “When you look at the teams, with respect, it wasn’t anything to get too excited about.”

From now until May, Slot faces the challenge of reinvigorating his side while managing expectations. Recruitment decisions, tactical refinements, and renewed leadership will all be essential if Liverpool are to regain momentum.

The comments, first reported by LiverpoolWorld, underline how Liverpool’s form is now being judged against their own high standards rather than those of a rebuilding side. For supporters, Sutton’s analysis may feel uncomfortable, but it reflects a growing consensus that this season represents a crossroads.

Whether Liverpool can respond positively will depend on rediscovering intensity, improving squad balance, and helping key figures like Mo Salah return to peak effectiveness.