I’ve been reflecting on an observation and would very much appreciate your honest perspective. It seems fairly evident that Slot has not yet settled on his optimal starting eleven, the best positions for the new signings, or the most effective tactical approach for this season. Nevertheless, I have repeatedly noticed – in fact, in nearly every game so far – that Salah rarely passes to Wirtz, even when Wirtz is in a clearly better position.
Of course, a top striker must be somewhat self-centered, and Salah has always shown a tendency to prefer taking the final shot himself rather than making the last pass. He usually still manages to contribute assists, though. With Wirtz, however, the pattern seems different. On several occasions, he could have simply played the ball into an open goal, yet Salah opted to shoot from a much less favorable position.
This raises several questions for me: Does Salah perceive Wirtz as a rival, someone who could potentially surpass him as the team’s star? Is it less about fear and more about a subtle form of exclusion? Or is there perhaps personal dislike involved? Or could there be another explanation altogether? Initially, I thought it might be coincidental, but the pattern has become so pronounced that it surprises me no one has questioned Slot about it during press conferences – especially considering how unreserved the football press typically is when a potentially significant story arises.
Ultimately, what I find difficult to understand is why this situation persists, given that the overarching goal should always be the success of the team.