Virgil Van Dijk stresses accountability after Mohamed Salah voices frustration

Virgil van Dijk has insisted that Mohamed Salah’s recent spell on the bench shows that every player at Liverpool is subject to performance-based decisions, responding publicly for the first time to the Egyptian forward’s criticism of his reduced role.

Speaking to The Times, the Liverpool captain addressed the situation that has dominated discussion around the club in recent days.

Salah began Liverpool’s last two league matches among the substitutes, a decision that left him visibly unhappy.

Following the 3–3 draw with Leeds United, he openly criticised both the club and head coach Arne Slot, saying: I’m being sacrificed. I’ve given so much to this club. I don’t think I’m the problem.

Van Dijk acknowledged Salah’s disappointment but underlined that Slot’s choices apply to everyone.

There’s no room for error. Everyone has to perform, he said. Mo was, but the coach decided otherwise in the last three games.

The Dutch defender is also experiencing a difficult run of form, having been involved in a costly error against Sunderland.

Nevertheless, Liverpool’s limited defensive options mean he is unlikely to be rotated out. Van Dijk emphasised that this does not shield him from scrutiny.

Performance, he said, remains the only standard that matters.

Despite the tension, Van Dijk maintained strong support for Salah.

He’s disappointed, and rightly so, he admitted. But we need him, and he remains a fantastic player. We mustn’t forget why he’s been so successful at this club.

He added that Salah continues to play a central role in the team’s leadership: I need him. He will remain important, I’m sure of it. If you’re not disappointed after missing two games, there’s a problem.

Arne Slot previously defended his decision not to introduce Salah during the match against Leeds, explaining that Liverpool’s need for control outweighed the need for attacking changes.

We were leading 2–0 and then 3–2. At that point, it was more important to control the game, the manager told the BBC. We needed something other than him, other players, to secure the victory.

Slot added that Salah is expected to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations in the short term and stressed that the club must accept the situation.

Liverpool’s draw at Leeds, after surrendering a winning position twice, has intensified scrutiny on the squad’s form and internal dynamics. Slot described the match as unbelievable, saying the team “deserved much better.

As tensions settle, Van Dijk’s message is clear: high standards apply to every player, no matter their status, and unity will be essential as Liverpool navigate a demanding stretch of the season.