Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has made the surprising admission that he would still select Mohamed Salah over Arsenal's in-form Bukayo Saka, despite the Egyptian's recent struggles in front of goal.
The Form Debate: Saka Shines as Salah Struggles
While Bukayo Saka has been delivering impressive performances for both Arsenal and England, Mohamed Salah has faced unusual difficulties finding the net for Liverpool. The 33-year-old Egyptian international has managed just two goals in his last seven Premier League appearances, a significant drop from his typically prolific standards.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Saka has maintained strong form, scoring in Arsenal's Champions League victory against Slavia Prague, netting in the top-flight draw with Sunderland, and most recently finding the target for England during international duty on Thursday.
Murphy's Controversial Stance
Despite Saka's influential role in Arsenal's unbeaten Champions League campaign and their current position at the top of the Premier League table, Murphy remains steadfast in his preference for the Liverpool veteran.
'I'd probably just still go with Salah because he can score goals from anywhere,' Murphy told talkSPORT. 'You know, he's just got this knack of scoring unbelievable goals more regularly.'
Tactical Concerns at Liverpool
Murphy has also voiced concerns about Liverpool manager Arne Slot's tactical approach with Salah. The Dutch coach has relieved the winger of defensive responsibilities, instructing him to remain forward to maximise attacking output.
This strategy proved successful last season, with Salah reportedly enjoying greater freedom compared to Jurgen Klopp's system. However, the approach has backfired during the 2025-26 campaign, with Liverpool sitting eighth in the table after eleven matches.
Murphy expressed particular alarm about Salah's lack of defensive work during Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, especially when facing attacking full-back Nico O'Reilly.
'Giving Salah the license to not defend against a left-back who loves going forward and isn't even a left-back in O'Reilly, who has been brilliant recently, I couldn't believe what I was watching to be honest,' Murphy stated.
The pundit urged Slot to implement changes, suggesting: 'I don't think he needs to be dropped because he's such a threat, but I think you've got to tell him to defend.'
Despite current concerns, Salah's overall record for Liverpool remains exceptional, with 250 goals and 116 assists across 417 appearances for the Merseyside club.
