Mohamed Salah does not have ‘unlimited credit’ at Liverpool, says Virgil Van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk says the omission of Mohamed Salah from Liverpool’s squad for the second successive game shows that no player at the club has «unlimited credit».

The Egypt international was an unused substitute in Sunday’s win over West Ham and was on the bench for Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland.

It was the first time in his Anfield career that he had not started in consecutive league matches.

The forward was brought on for the second half against Sunderland but struggled to make an impact and is now goalless after five games.

Salah has scored just four Premier League goals for the struggling defending champions this season, in stark contrast to his run of 29 last term.

Liverpool captain Van Dijk was asked after the Sunderland draw whether Salah’s omission had sent a message to the dressing room.

READ ALSO: Tom Brady and Shaquille O’Neal assist in 2026 World Cup draw

“It’s always been that way,” he said. “It’s not like you have unlimited credit, everyone has to perform.

«Mo has done that, but the manager has made that decision in the last two games. We all want the best for the club.»

“I’m pretty sure Mo will still be a big part of what we’re trying to achieve because he’s a great player and has consistently shown that.”

Van Dijk praised playmaker Florian Wirtz, whose shot was deflected off Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele for a late equalizer for Liverpool, leaving them eighth in the table.

The German, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £116 million (€155 million) in the summer transfer window, is showing encouraging signs after a difficult start at Anfield.

«There is a very good reason why a club like us bought him,» said Van Dijk. “In my opinion, he is an excellent, world-class player who can only improve, but that will take some time.

«For him, he has to remain level-headed. Don’t get carried away with the outside world when it is very good or very bad and don’t get carried away in the numbers game.

“These days there are a lot of eyes on you when you score goals, provide an assist or keep a clean sheet, but it is also about what you see and the contribution you have to the team.”

Published on December 4, 2025