Former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes believes Mohamed Salah may need to accept a different role if he is to extend his stay at Anfield, drawing parallels between Liverpool’s current struggles and the challenges facing his other former club in Spain.
Morientes, who enjoyed spells with both European giants, argues that Liverpool’s situation mirrors Real Madrid’s transitional phase, where expectations remain high but results have dipped.
Central to that discussion, he says, is Salah’s place in a team evolving away from total reliance on its long-time talisman. While acknowledging the Egyptian’s historic impact, Morientes suggests time and competition are beginning to reshape Liverpool’s attacking hierarchy.
Salah remains influential but no longer untouchable in Morientes’ view.
The former Spain international believes Liverpool may need to redefine Salah’s responsibilities, much like other elite clubs have done with ageing stars.
He pointed to Antoine Griezmann as an example of a player who has embraced a reduced yet meaningful role, contributing through experience, intelligence and leadership rather than constant starting status.
According to Morientes, Salah could still be vital if he accepts a similar evolution, helping guide younger players and influencing games in shorter, sharper bursts.
The uncertainty, however, lies in whether Salah would be content with that adjustment or prefer a move where he remains the undisputed focal point.
“The thing is, Salah, like everyone else, is getting older, and new players keep emerging. What’s clear is that what Salah has done for Liverpool is something very few players will ever do, in terms of goals, influence and leadership.
“I think he can still have an impact, but probably not as much as he did in the past. That said, many players become legends because of everything they’ve done and because of what they contribute to the team from a different role, and Salah could be one of them.
“I’m thinking, for example, of Griezmann, a player we don’t see in the starting XI every week, but who has a secondary role and accepts it well.
“If Salah accepts something similar, he’ll surely still be important for Liverpool as they are now. What I don’t know is whether he’ll be happy with that role or whether he’ll want to look for another project where he can be the leader.”
