Virgil van Dijk on Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool benching: No one has ‘unlimited credit’

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admitted that Mohamed Salah’s omission from the team’s playing XI for the second consecutive game serves as a notice that no one’s place is guaranteed in the side. Salah was benched by head coach Arne Slot for the second game on the bounce, and the Egyptian striker replaced Cody Gakpo at halftime in the home game against Sunderland, which ended in 1-1 draw on Wednesday.

Salah has been a consistent performer for Liverpool over the years but he hasn’t been at his best in the ongoing season. The winger has scored four goals in 13 Premier League matches this season and has also provided two assists.

Salah has scored 250 goals for Liverpool but has managed to score only two goals since September 17.

“That’s always been the case. It’s not like you have unlimited credit, everyone has to perform,” Van Dijk said, when asked whether Salah’s omission had sent a message to the dressing room.

“Mo has been doing that but the manager 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.

“But we are all trying to find consistency and he needs us to be in our best shape and we need him and that’s what we are all trying to find.

“He is still a fantastic player and we still have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club and we have to respect that.

“I need him around as one of the leaders. I’m not worried. He’s disappointed but that’s absolutely normal as if you’re not disappointed when you’re not playing two games in a row then there is an issue as well.”

Liverpool will next take on Leeds United on Saturday.