Wayne Rooney Questions Mohamed Salah's Work Ethic During Liverpool's Form Slump

Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has raised questions about Mohamed Salah's work ethic during Liverpool's recent dip in form, suggesting the Egyptian forward's commitment may have wavered during the team's difficult period.

The criticism comes after Liverpool suffered their third consecutive loss in all competitions, including a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Chelsea on Saturday. The recent slump has seen the Reds struggle to maintain their typically high standards, with performances falling below expectations.

Rooney, who now works as a pundit, pointed specifically to Salah's contribution during this challenging stretch. "When you look at Liverpool's recent performances," Rooney noted, "there are questions about whether certain players are putting in the same level of effort we've come to expect from them."

The former England captain's comments have sparked debate among football fans and analysts, with many pointing to Salah's generally excellent track record and consistent performance since joining Liverpool in 2017. The 32-year-old has been a key figure in Liverpool's success under manager Jürgen Klopp, helping the club win multiple trophies including the Premier League and Champions League.

Liverpool's recent struggles represent a significant shift for a team that has been among the most consistent in English football in recent years. The consecutive losses have raised concerns about whether this is merely a temporary blip or signs of deeper issues within the squad.

Salah, who has scored over 200 goals for Liverpool, has typically been praised for his professional attitude and dedication to maintaining peak physical condition throughout his career. The Egyptian international's work rate both in attack and defense has often been highlighted as exemplary.

The timing of Rooney's comments adds extra pressure on Salah and Liverpool as they look to bounce back from this difficult period. With crucial matches ahead in both domestic and European competitions, how the team responds to this criticism could define their season.

Football analysts will be watching closely to see if Salah uses these comments as motivation to silence his critics, as top players often do when faced with public scrutiny about their commitment and performance levels.

Read the original article on BBC Sport