Michael Owen insists Mohamed Salah should return into Liverpool’s starting line-up when he returns from the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
Salah is currently away at AFCON 2025, where Egypt face Benin on January 5 in Morocco. His absence was felt at Anfield on New Year’s Day as Liverpool were held to a flat 0-0 draw by Leeds, lacking the sharp edge usually provided by their record-breaking forward.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen and fellow former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman highlighted how much Liverpool miss the Egyptian.
Michael Owen addressed recent claims that Salah should be rotated out of the side, saying: “People saying that Mo Salah should have been dropped or rested or whatever.”
McManaman added: “Or sold and that he was finished.”
Owen continued: “Sold or whatever, I mean, you know, that’s them without Mo Salah.” He stressed that even during quieter spells, Salah remains decisive, describing him as “a difference maker, even when he’s not playing well.”
Liverpool dominated possession against a disciplined Leeds side that clogged the midfield and limited space, neutralizing the hosts attacking threat in what turned into a slow, uneventful contest to open the new year. Leeds even came close to snatching a late winner, only for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to be ruled offside.
The result extended Liverpool’s unbeaten run to eight matches, but it still felt like two points dropped. With Manchester United and Chelsea both failing to win earlier in the week, Arne Slot’s side missed the chance to strengthen their grip on fifth place.
