The Sad Reality of Souness Slamming Salah and Van Dijk | OneFootball

Liverpool Legends: Reflecting on Graeme Souness’s Critical Comments

It’s just sad really to be honest, whatever anyone says about it. Liverpool Football Club is renowned not just for its victories but for the legends it has nurtured. Graeme Souness stands prominently among these, remembered for his fearless play and pivotal role in Liverpool’s golden era. However, his recent critiques of current stars Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have left fans pondering the tone and intent behind his words. It’s not that difficult. Say silly or controversial things that can be roughly linked to the truth to draw eyes to the new podcast.

Souness’s Storied Legacy at Liverpool

Graeme Souness, during his stint from 1978 to 1984, was more than just a midfielder for Liverpool; he was the heartbeat of the team. Capturing five league titles and three European Cups, Souness’s contributions were fundamental in maintaining Liverpool’s dominance both in England and Europe. Souness is a Liverpool legend for his on the field exploits, but for everything he’s done off the field, there is that real tinge of sadness.

Photo: IMAGO

Stark Criticism of Salah and Van Dijk

The starkness of Souness’s recent comments on the ‘Three Up Front’ podcast stands in contrast to the solidarity typically expected from former players. Speaking about Mohamed Salah, Souness expressed a blunt critique, stating, “Salah is the most selfish player I have ever witnessed.” He elaborated on his disappointment with Salah’s reaction to being substituted, implying a breach in team spirit: “Whenever Klopp takes him off, he is never happy about it…when Sadio Mane was there they’d fall out all the time.”

The critique extended to Virgil van Dijk, about whom Souness shared grave concerns regarding his future at Liverpool and speculated about a potential move, saying, “I just look at him now and the noise he’s been making and he’s obviously unhappy.” It’s hard if you look at the noise and the clarification that the captain has given around this to strike it as unhappy. But it’s a good sound bite no doubt. A sad one, but good.

The Impact of Negative Commentary

These remarks, focusing heavily on personal traits and speculative futures, may resonate more with sensationalist media than with the supportive discourse expected from a club legend. This shift in narrative can cause certain fans to question team morale and fan perception to change, casting shadows over the players’ contributions and commitments to the club. If we’re going to question the contribution of Van Dijk and Salah whilst at the club, then something is amiss.

Reflection on Media Roles and Responsibilities

It is essential to consider the impact that such comments have on the players and the broader club environment. Souness, with his deep understanding of football and media, undoubtedly knows the weight his words carry. Yet, his recent statements suggest a preference for headline-grabbing soundbites over constructive criticism, aligning him with a more sensationalist media approach. You only have to look and see that a William Hill sponsored podcast run by Simon Jordan and supported by Troy Deeney is the backdrop and that should tell you everything. Souness has again in his words, dropped an almighty ricket. It’s just sad.