Should Liverpool give Mohamed Salah a three-year contract? | Paul Merson & Kris Boyd debate

Should Liverpool give Mohamed Salah a three-year contract? | Paul Merson & Kris Boyd debate

The Virgil van Dijk Conundrum: A Concession to Suggesting a Salah Solution?

As a Liverpool fan, I’m compelled to express my concerns about our three big stars – Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah. With each player’s contracts set to expire within the next three years, it’s natural to question who we should prioritize retaining. As I argue, I’m not suggesting we should trade away our star players, but rather, we should consider a Machiavellian approach to maintain a balance in our squad.

A Shift in Perspective: Messi and Ronaldo

We all know that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are once-in-a-generation talents. I’m not saying our players are on the same level, but we can learn from their cases. Both superstars have built their teams around them, making it difficult to adjust without them. However, they’re one-offs, and we need to recognize that we have team players, not solely solitary phenoms.

Salah’s Confidence and Versatility

Mo Salah, in particular, has been under fire lately. However, I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s demonstrated unwavering confidence in the face of criticism, and his endeavor to take on big-game responsibilities will be crucial for our success. His commitment to begin with the cameras and express his determination to deliver in the next two games is a testament to his mental toughness. His confidence, like that of Virgil van Dijk, is crucial for our team’s prosperity.

The Financial Fallout: A Conservative Approach

We can’t ignore the financial implications of retaining our star trio. The contracts on the horizon will require significant investment. I believe our owners should adopt a more conservative approach, recognizing that we can’t sustain our current squad beyond a certain point. The inevitable need to refresh our ranks will become a harsh reality, and we should prepare for it.

The Impossible Choice: Selecting One Star to Keep

If forced to choose one of our three stars to keep, I’d opt for Mohamed Salah. As I’ve mentioned, he’s already a world-class player, and his signing is a long-term guarantee of success. It’s essential to recognize that his value goes beyond mere goalscoring; he’s an integral part of our attacking strategy. The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are equally crucial, but we need to acknowledge that our squad depth will eventually require adjustments.

Conclusion: A Salary Cap and a Bet on Salah

Ultimately, I believe we should set a realistic salary cap to ensure our financial sustainability. By doing so, we can focus on nurturing our younger talent and making shrewd buys to bolster our squad. For me, Mo Salah is an irreplaceable asset, and I’m willing to wager on his continued success over the next two years. The stakes are high, but we must redirect our priorities to guarantee the long-term success of our beloved club.