Michael Owen makes Mohamed Salah plea after watching Liverpool struggle vs Leeds

Michael Owen reacted to Liverpool's poor display against Leeds by urging Mohamed Salah to step up once the winger returns from the Africa Cup of Nations this month

Michael Owen has offered his opinion(Image: Getty Images)

Michael Owen believes that Mohamed Salah should re-enter Liverpool's starting XI once the Egyptian returns from AFCON.

Salah was once again missing as Liverpool welcomed Leeds to Anfield in the Premier League on New Year’s Day. The Egyptian forward was left out by Arne Slot following a revealing post-match interview after the reverse fixture last month, in which Salah voiced frustration over his treatment at the club.

That situation had already seen him dropped from the starting line-up for several consecutive matches. Salah remains away on international duty, with his national side set to play on January 5. His absence was keenly felt as Liverpool lacked a cutting edge in a flat 0-0 draw with Leeds, unable to call on one of the club’s greatest goalscorers to change the game.

While results under Slot have shown marginal improvement on paper, Liverpool’s overall performances continue to fall short of expectations.

Owen has since made his stance on Salah clear while analyzing the stalemate in his role as a SuperSport Premier League pundit.

Speaking live after the Leeds match, the former Liverpool striker lamented Salah’s absence and issued a direct message to the Egyptian, insisting that "all is forgiven."

He said: "People saying that Mo Salah should have been dropped or rested, or whatever, or sold. I mean that’s them without Mo Salah.

"He’s a difference maker, even when he’s not playing well he can still score goals. All is forgiven, Mo, I suppose, come back.”

Owen believes Liverpool missed Salah against Leeds(Image: Getty Images)

The Reds, who have recently developed a knack for turning routine assignments into stern tests, controlled the ball against a disciplined Leeds side that packed the middle of the pitch.

That approach blunted Liverpool's attacking threat and set the tone for a slow, forgettable contest to open the new year. Matters could have worsened late on, only for the offside flag to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The goalless draw stretched Liverpool’s unbeaten run to eight matches, yet it felt like a missed opportunity.

With Manchester United and Chelsea both dropping points earlier in the week, Arne Slot’s side will be disappointed not to have pulled further clear in the race for fifth.

Although Salah was an easy target during Liverpool’s poor run of results towards the end of the 2025/26 season, it is increasingly clear he was not the primary issue.

As Owen highlighted, Liverpool lacks a player of Salah’s calibre when games drift and inspiration is required. Jeremie Frimpong was praised for his effort on the right flank against Leeds, but as a natural defender, he does not offer the same goal threat or match-winning edge that Salah consistently provides.