Mo Salah told he has ‘brains of a beetle’ as football legend gives verdict on Liverpool drama

Liverpool left Mohamed Salah at home as they travelled to Milan to take on Inter at the San Siro and his future remains up in the air as he prepares to join the Egypt squad

Former Netherlands and AC Milan star Marco van Basten has questioned Liverpool star Mohamed Salah after the forward’s recent comments. Salah claimed to have been thrown under the bus at Anfield and his first-team absence continued on Tuesday night.

Salah played just 45 minutes across Liverpool’s last three league matches, with Arne Slot bringing him on for the second half against Sunderland but leaving him on the bench against West Ham and Leeds. The forward missed out entirely on Tuesday, not making the trip to Italy as Slot’s team claimed a late win away to Inter Milan.

Van Basten, as translated by Sport Witness, accused Salah of having “The brains of a beetle”. He also questioned the forward’s form this season, adding: “He’s done very well, but in recent months he’s simply been poor.”

Fellow pundit Theo Janssen, who played for the Netherlands during Van Basten’s time as manager, offered his own criticism of Salah. “He’s bringing everything into it, but it’s very simple. What has he shown this season?” Janssen asked.

“He extended his contract and the club paid him a huge salary. He’s simply having a poor season, and then the manager has to make a decision. I think Slot waited a long time to take him off because he has a fantastic track record. This interview is terrible. I’m bigger than the club, and it’s all about me, and the club doesn’t want me.”

Liverpool have just one more match in the Premier League before the deadline to allow players to link up with their national sides for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Regardless of whether Salah features against Brighton, speculation is expected to follow the forward while he is away on Egypt duty.