Liverpool manager Arne Slot hails Mohammed Salah as top professional after being dropped

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hailed Egyptian international Mohamed Salah as a “top professional” following his bench warming role in their Premier League clash against West Ham United.

Salah was named on the bench as Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 away victory over the Hammers at the weekend, ending their losing streak.

It was the first time he has been dropped in the league since April 2024, under Slot’s predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

“That’s a normal reaction from a player that’s good enough to play for us, and I say that mildly because he has been so outstanding for this club for so many years and will be for the future,” Slot said.

“He wasn’t the only one who wasn’t happy that he wasn’t starting and that is normal. He is so disciplined – he knows what to do to stay fit,” Slot said.

“No matter if he plays well or if he doesn’t play well, if he plays or doesn’t play, he will always be that top professional and that’s what he was in the last two days.

“With all players around their world, there are also phases in your time at the club that they are human. He’s scored so many goals for us and I am sure he will in the future.”

The 33-year-old winger has had a difficult start to the 2025/26 football campaign, scoring just five goals and providing three assists in 18 matches.