Van Dijk Emphasises Salah’s Leadership Role Ahead of Leeds Clash

Key Takeaways:

• Virgil van Dijk highlighted Mohamed Salah’s continued importance to Liverpool’s leadership group after Salah was used as a substitute in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland
• Salah came off the bench for the second consecutive Premier League fixture, marking the first time in his eight years at Anfield he has not started back-to-back league matches
• Liverpool will face Leeds United on Saturday evening, with Salah set to available for another three matches before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations

Salah’s Recent Role and Van Dijk’s Support

Virgil van Dijk has made it clear that Mohamed Salah remains central to Liverpool’s ambitions under Arne Slot, despite the forward having been named among the substitutes for a second successive Premier League match – a first in his eight-year tenure with the club. Following Salah’s place on the bench during the 2-0 win over West Ham on Sunday, the Egyptian was again kept in reserve for Wednesday’s contest with Sunderland, taking to the pitch at half-time in place of Cody Gakpo.

🗣️ Virgil van Dijk on Mohamed Salah:

“He is still a fantastic player and we still have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club and we have to respect that.

I need him around as one of the leaders. I’m not worried. He’s disappointed but that’s… pic.twitter.com/5iqKscICmi

— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) December 4, 2025

Salah was unable to inspire Liverpool to consecutive league victories, as Nordi Mukiele’s own goal cancelled out an earlier effort from Chemsdine Talbi. Reflecting on Salah’s reaction to his omission from the starting eleven, Van Dijk stated that disappointment is only to be expected from a player of such stature and achievement.

Leadership and Team Mentality

Van Dijk underlined Salah’s value within Liverpool’s leadership structure, describing his presence as essential. He maintained that everyone in the squad, regardless of status, must continue to prove themselves, referencing recent managerial decisions not to start Salah as indicative of a merit-based approach. He expressed confidence that Salah will remain integral to Liverpool’s objectives, praising his consistent contributions and experience.

Van Dijk also stressed the importance of collective effort and recognised the need for both the team and Salah to perform at their best to achieve consistency and success.

Match Analysis and Defensive Solidity

Looking back on the 1-1 result with Sunderland, Van Dijk acknowledged challenges in establishing fluency in the final third but found positives in Liverpool’s defensive structure. He noted that the side restricted Sunderland’s chances, conceding only through a heavily deflected long-range effort from Talbi, which was then offset by Mukiele’s own goal.

Van Dijk compared the recent fixtures, highlighting Sunderland’s tactical setup as more challenging to break down than West Ham’s, and pointed out the need to adapt strategies to different opponents. He reiterated dissatisfaction with a solitary point but recognised the opportunity to build further as Liverpool prepares for the next league encounter.

Upcoming Fixture and Salah’s Schedule

Liverpool are now preparing for Saturday evening’s test against Leeds United, who come into the match off the back of a 3-1 home victory over Chelsea at Elland Road. For Salah, the fixture is one of just three remaining for Liverpool before he departs to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.