Trent, Van Dijk and Salah: Molby on Form, Contracts and Squad Trust | OneFootball

Van Dijk, Salah and Trent – Big Names, Bigger Questions

In the latest Molby On The Spot episode, Jan Molby joined Trev Downey to dissect Liverpool’s wobble in recent weeks, providing sharp insights into underperforming stars and the tactical tangle under new boss Arne Slot. This wasn’t a rant-filled post-mortem, but a measured look at a team struggling to rediscover itself at the season’s sharp end. With Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all under the microscope – both on and off the pitch – Molby didn’t hold back.

Van Dijk: From Rock to Rattled

Virgil van Dijk’s recent drop-off wasn’t brushed under the rug. “It’s almost like a subconscious thing where it’s done now,” Molby said of the Dutchman’s uncharacteristic performances, particularly in the recent defeat to Fulham. “It’s baffling,” he admitted. “If you’re Virgil van Dijk… it’s not really part of what you do, making mistakes.”

What stood out was how Molby linked this downturn to a possible lack of urgency. “There isn’t one result that will change the outcome of us winning the title… so possibly we are just missing this ‘make sure you’re ready’ moment.” He stopped short of blaming Van Dijk directly but noted that when leaders drop off, the entire team can suffer: “You do always look towards your leaders.”

Mo Salah: The Moment Man

Mo Salah has also been under scrutiny despite what many still consider a strong season statistically. Molby, however, offered some nuance: “Mo is a moment player… you’ll never come away from Anfield and say, ‘Did you see the way Mo controlled the game today?’”

It’s not a criticism, more a reflection of Salah’s profile. “He’s not in the game for 90 minutes, but he scores goals that win games,” Molby said, pointing out that fatigue or form might be affecting him, but it’s easier to explain than Van Dijk’s slide. “He’s put it all in,” he added, acknowledging Salah’s dedication to his fitness this campaign.

Trent and Slot: System vs Suitability

Molby was candid when analysing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation. Speaking on Arne Slot’s approach to squad management, he highlighted the risk of overthinking tactical solutions: “I’m not a big fan of playing Curtis [Jones] at right-back in an away game. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

Photo: IMAGO

The broader point? Slot has his trusted core – and isn’t deviating from it. “He clearly has four lads he trusts in midfield and no more,” Molby observed. It’s not a ringing endorsement of Liverpool’s depth, especially given “the manager doesn’t fancy [Endo]… unless something dramatically happens this summer.”

Contract Clarity – Finally?

Perhaps the biggest talking point from the podcast was the encouraging update on contract talks for Van Dijk and Salah. Molby welcomed the shift from “if” to “when”, calling the prospect of extending both players’ deals “massive.” He went on: “Liverpool shouldn’t lose a player they want to keep. We should be attractive and proactive enough.”

In Molby’s eyes, keeping Salah and Van Dijk doesn’t just retain quality – it helps attract it too: “They’ve played against Mo and Virgil – they know what they’re like. It’s a bloody nightmare.”

However, the silence around Trent’s contract was a concern. “If he’s not joining Real Madrid, it’s some job they’ve done on Real Madrid to make them believe he was coming,” Molby said with a wry chuckle, acknowledging the growing inevitability of his departure.

Final Whistle

In a revealing and thoughtful episode, Jan Molby brought the reality of Liverpool’s current fragility into focus. With Van Dijk’s form dipping, Salah’s influence waning, and Trent’s future clouded in uncertainty, the club’s biggest names are carrying big questions. Yet there was optimism too – not blind hope, but faith in the strength that still exists within the squad. “We’ll find a way,” Molby concluded. For now, that’s what Liverpool fans are clinging to.