Liverpool beat West Ham, Salah was on the bench for the first time for the 90 minutes.
Salah made his first 90-minute substitute appearance of the season against West Ham; Isak scored, Wirtz orchestrated. The upcoming AFCON could determine the status of the seven-year Liverpool icon.
An evening at Anfield marked a turning point: Liverpool beat West Ham, and Mohamed Salah sat on the bench for the first time this season for the full 90 minutes. On the pitch, Alexander Isak broke the deadlock; Florian Wirtz dictated the tempo. And on the touchline, a clear message rang out: the transition had begun.
The crucial moment
For seven years, Mohamed Salah's presence on Liverpool's right wing was synonymous with the team. His place in the starting lineup was practically a given. But against West Ham, the decision to leave him on the bench for the entire match was no longer shocking, but rather accepted as a logical and professional choice.
The handover on the field
Isak scored the opening goal, Wirtz orchestrated the tempo – these two new attacking players clearly demonstrated their central role in how Liverpool found the net. The message couldn't have been more convincing: this is the future Liverpool are building.
Just six months ago, Liverpool were still heavily reliant on Salah. That summer, they spent over £220 million on Isak and Wirtz – a move that showed serious preparation for the post-Salah era. Despite a rocky start, Salah's decline in sharpness and influence has made the transition inevitable.
AFCON and the positioning problem
The factor that could determine the pace of change is the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Salah will be away from the club for international duty and could miss up to eight matches. That void presents a golden opportunity for those who remain. If Liverpool can find a winning formula with Isak, Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, the order in attack could be reshaped.
Upon his return, Salah will no longer be the default choice. He must prove his worth once again within an attacking ecosystem operating on new axes.
The last two matches before departure.
The next two matches against Sunderland and Leeds became personal milestones for Salah. This was the time he needed to leave his mark – goals, assists, or simply a noticeable impact on the game – to remind everyone of his inherent class. Otherwise, the wave of confidence in new signings could sweep away his once untouchable status.
The numbers are noteworthy.
| Milestone/Indicator | Detail |
|---|---|
| Right wing icon | Seven years |
| West Ham match | Salah was benched for the full 90 minutes for the first time this season. |
| Outstanding rookie | Alexander Isak scored the opening goal; Florian Wirtz orchestrated the play. |
| Transfer fees | Over £220 million for Isak and Wirtz |
| AFCON | Salah could miss up to eight games. |
| Two matches before leaving the club | Sunderland, Leeds |
No one denies Salah's legacy at Anfield. But the times in football always call for moving forward. The win against West Ham and the upcoming AFCON schedule could be a major turning point – where a new Liverpool team is gradually taking shape, and Salah needs a fitting response to prove he remains an indispensable part of the team.
