For weeks now, sections of the football world have tried to paint Mohamed Salah as part of Liverpool’s problems.
Critics continue to talk about pressing, tracking back and whether the Egyptian is declining physically.
But when you actually look at the numbers, the argument quickly starts to fall apart.
Because statistically, Liverpool remain a significantly stronger team when Salah is on the pitch — even during what many are calling a “down season” for the 33-year-old.
The figures are difficult to ignore:
- Liverpool win 46% of games with Salah
- Liverpool win only 27% of games without him
- Liverpool score 22% more goals when he plays
- Liverpool’s win rate jumps to 82% when Salah scores or assists
- Liverpool’s average goal difference per game with him is +0.31
Those are not small improvements.
Those are massive differences.
It highlights something Liverpool supporters have known for years:
Even when Salah is not at his absolute peak, he still changes games.
Opponents still fear him.
Defenders still focus on him.
And Liverpool still function far better offensively when he starts.
That is why many supporters have become frustrated by the growing narrative around him this season.
Yes, Salah is no longer the explosive 25-year-old machine who could destroy teams every single week almost by himself.
But football intelligence, movement, decision-making and elite end product still matter enormously.
And Liverpool simply do not possess another attacker remotely close to his level in terms of consistency or influence.
The criticism about tracking back has also become a major talking point.
But many fans argue that focusing solely on defensive work ignores the bigger picture completely.
Liverpool’s structural problems this season have been collective.
Poor pressing organisation.
Passive midfield play.
Defensive confusion.
Lack of intensity across the team.
Blaming Salah alone for that has increasingly looked unfair.
In fact, the statistics suggest the opposite.
They suggest Liverpool are actually far more dangerous, more productive and more successful when Salah plays.
And perhaps most importantly, they show just how dependent Liverpool still are on him creatively even now.
That is why the emotional reaction to his recent social media comments has been so divided.
Some view him as disruptive.
Others see a club legend frustrated at watching standards collapse around him.
But regardless of opinion, the numbers make one thing very clear:
Liverpool are still a much stronger football team with Mohamed Salah in it.
Even in what some are calling his decline season.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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