Eden Hazard defends Mohamed Salah amid Liverpool crisis

Eden Hazard has defended Mohamed Salah amid growing criticism of the Liverpool forward’s form, insisting the Egyptian’s struggles cannot be viewed in isolation from the team’s wider difficulties this season.

Salah, long regarded as one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers, has endured an unusually quiet campaign in front of goal.

The 2025/26 season has seen him score just five times, a sharp contrast to the prolific standards he has set over several years at Anfield.

The downturn has prompted debate about the 31-year-old’s current level, but Hazard believes the focus on the individual overlooks broader issues affecting Liverpool as a whole.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, the former Belgium international was clear in his assessment of the situation.

“I think it’s normal… As you get older, your physical strength decreases. But Liverpool are also going through a difficult season… it’s not just Mohamed Salah,” Hazard said.

Hazard’s comments point to a wider context surrounding Salah’s performances. Liverpool’s campaign has been marked by inconsistency, and the team’s struggles have inevitably had an impact on key attacking players.

For a forward so closely associated with goals and decisive contributions, any dip in numbers quickly becomes a focal point.

However, Salah’s influence at Liverpool has historically extended beyond raw statistics. His movement, work rate and ability to create opportunities have been central to the club’s attacking identity.

Even during less productive spells, his presence continues to shape how opponents defend and how Liverpool structure their play.

Hazard also addressed the weight of expectation that comes with sustained excellence.

Few players in recent Premier League history have maintained such a high level of output over multiple seasons, and the Belgian suggested that maintaining those standards indefinitely is unrealistic.

“When you set such high standards for so many years, it becomes almost impossible to maintain them,” Hazard said.

This perspective reflects the challenge faced by players who consistently perform at an elite level.

Over time, expectations rise to a point where even a slight drop can appear more dramatic than it might otherwise be.

In Salah’s case, his previous achievements have set a benchmark that is difficult to match year after year.

Despite the scrutiny, Hazard was quick to emphasise his admiration for Salah’s quality.

The pair have shared the pitch on numerous occasions, both as teammates and opponents, and the Belgian spoke from experience when assessing his former rival.

“I was happy to see him score this week against Fulham. He’s an exceptional player. We’ve played together and against each other on many occasions,” Hazard concluded.

That recent goal offered a reminder of Salah’s enduring ability to make an impact, even during a challenging period.

Eden Hazard on Mohamed Salah:

“When you’ve set the bar so high for so many years, it becomes almost impossible to live up to your own expectations. I was glad to see him score this weekend. He’s a great guy.” (canal +) pic.twitter.com/hPuaUFJ26T

— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) April 13, 2026

Moments like these reinforce the view that his qualities remain intact, even if his overall numbers have declined this season.

Salah’s situation also highlights the broader dynamics of football performance, where individual output is often closely tied to collective form.

When a team is struggling to find rhythm and consistency, attacking players can find themselves isolated or receiving fewer opportunities in dangerous areas.

For Liverpool, the priority remains improving results and rediscovering their attacking fluency.

A return to form for the team could naturally lead to an upturn in Salah’s numbers, given his central role in their forward line.

At the same time, the discussion surrounding his performances reflects the intense scrutiny faced by top players.

Every match, goal, or missed chance is analysed in detail, particularly for those who have established themselves as among the best in the game.

Hazard’s intervention serves as a reminder of the need for balance in such assessments.

By placing Salah’s season within the wider context of Liverpool’s campaign and the natural progression of a player’s career, he offers a more measured perspective on a situation that has drawn strong reactions.

As the season continues, attention will remain on whether Salah can rediscover his usual scoring touch.

Yet, as Hazard suggests, his legacy and quality are not defined by a single campaign.