Liverpool cult hero Lucas Leiva believes Mohamed Salah has “many good years left” at the club under head coach Arne Slot

Former Liverpool defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva backs Mohamed Salah to play many more seasons for the Reds under Arne Slot. Leiva shared his optimism for the Reds to challenge Manchester City in the Premier League next season under new management.

The Brazilian believes that Salah has a key role to play during the transition period under the new coaching staff. Slot succeeded legendary manager Jurgen Klopp and inherited a strong squad from the German to implement his tactical plans.

While new managers like to stamp their authority by signing new players to mark their territory, Slot has displayed patience. The former Feyenoord boss has respected the players he acquired in his new job and appreciates the contribution of his predecessor.

Speaking Stats Perform (via BeIN Sports), Lucas highlighted the importance of Salah to make Slot’s transition easy during the summer. He said:

“Mo, what a player he has been for the club. We know that he came under Jurgen, but I think Mo has got a point to prove as well now. He will be a very important player, not only on the pitch, but off it as well. On the pitch, he’s been amazing, and he’s scored a lot of goals. He has been one of the best [players] in the history of the club. But with a new manager coming in now, I think he will need the senior players to help the other guys to settle in, even the new manager to settle in. So, Mo will be really important as well off the pitch. And I’m sure that he has many, many good years ahead of him in the Liverpool shirt.”

Salah is playing in the last year of his current contract and the club has a big decision to make. Given how Liverpool operates under a restricted budget, they cannot afford to let their top player go for free.

Furthermore, Salah has continued his prolific goalscoring form and added more assists to his game last season. The Egyptian changed his style of play last season, prioritizing link-up play over dribbling and beating opponents with pace.

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The tactical change in his style of play helped him focus more on his technical strength and avoid his weaknesses. Salah has regressed slightly in his pace and reflexes but his playmaking ability and finishing prowess remain strong. It is important to remember that the Egypt captain suffered a surprise dip in form late last season.

Salah also struggled with injuries, something that he avoided for most of his career by staying in top physical condition. It is speculative to think how the 32-year-old’s role at the club might evolve if he decides to stay for a long time.