Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has criticised Mohamed Salah’s work ethic following Liverpool’s loss to Chelsea.
Chelsea beat the Reds 2-1 on Saturday evening, thanks to a late goal from Willian Estevao in injury time.
The Egyptian winger missed several chances in the second half, both before and after Cody Gakpo’s equaliser cancelled out Moises Caicedo’s first-half stunner.
Salah, who featured in the game, failed to make an impact, extending his goalless streak to four Premier League matches.
Rooney on Salah
Rooney questioned Salah’s defensive commitment, suggesting his ego may have been bruised by the club’s recent signing of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.
Wayne Rooney (Credit: Imago)
Speaking on the “Wayne Rooney Show,” he said: “With the players coming in, Isak, [Hugo] Ekitike, and Wirtz and the money they have spent, what does Salah think now? Top players have an ego, and Mo Salah has been one of the best players in the league for a long time.”
“I think the last week has shown that when it’s going well, you’re scoring goals and winning games, it’s great, and the team will put up with that,” Rooney continued.
“But over the last week, I’d question his work ethic. I know he doesn’t always track back and defend, but in the Chelsea game, his full-back is getting torn apart, and he is just watching.”
Mohamed Salah in action for Liverpool (Credit: Imago)
Liverpool’s right flank was repeatedly exposed in west London, first with Conor Bradley at right-back and later with Dominik Szoboszlai filling in.
The winning goal originated down Salah’s side, as Marc Cucurella was played through before setting up Estevao for the finish.