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Van Dijk Emphasizes Meritocracy as Salah Misses Back-to-Back Liverpool Games

Posted : 05 December 2025

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has highlighted that no player is automatically assured a place in the team, regardless of past achievements, following Mohamed Salah’s absence from the starting lineup in consecutive Premier League matches.

Salah, 33, was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory at West Ham United on Sunday and came off the bench during Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland. The Egyptian winger, who signed a two-year contract extension in April, has scored five goals in 19 appearances across all competitions this season and has struggled to replicate the consistency that propelled Liverpool to last season’s league title.

“That’s always been the case. It’s not like you have unlimited credit; everyone has to perform,” Van Dijk told reporters after the Sunderland match. “Mo has been doing that, but the manager, Arne Slot, made that decision in the last two games. We all want the best for the club. I am pretty sure Mo will still be a big part of what we are trying to achieve because he is an amazing player and he has shown it consistently.”

Liverpool currently sit ninth in the Premier League with 22 points from 14 matches, trailing leaders Arsenal by 11 points. The team’s inconsistent form has been a concern, especially after a summer transfer window where the club spent £446 million ($594.5 million).

Van Dijk emphasized the importance of Salah returning to his top form. “He is still a fantastic player, and we have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club. We have to respect that,” he added, underscoring the need for all players to contribute at the highest level to help Liverpool climb the table.

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