‘I know what Mo Salah will be thinking – Trent Alexander-Arnold never made this mistake’

I know what Mo Salah will be thinking – ‘Trent Alexander-Arnold never made this mistake’
Theo Walcott opens up on why Mohamed Salah will deeply miss the ex-Liverpool star this season

In the ever-evolving world of football, few partnerships have captured the imagination of fans quite like that of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool. Their chemistry on the right flank was nothing short of telepathic — a seamless blend of precision, timing, and intuition that tore apart defenses season after season. But as the new campaign unfolds without Trent in the Liverpool lineup, former Arsenal and England forward Theo Walcott believes Salah’s frustration will be quietly growing.

Speaking in a recent interview, Walcott broke down what makes the absence of Alexander-Arnold such a critical blow to Salah’s effectiveness. “I know what Mo Salah will be thinking,” Walcott said. “He’s looking up sometimes, making those diagonal runs, expecting that trademark delivery — but it’s not coming. Trent never made this mistake. He always knew exactly when and where to find him.”

The Perfect Understanding

For years, Salah and Alexander-Arnold operated like clockwork. Trent’s ability to pick out Salah with pin-point crosses, switches, and through-balls from deep positions created countless goals and scoring opportunities. The duo’s connection wasn’t just built on training ground repetition — it was forged from a deep understanding of each other’s instincts.

Salah’s runs behind defenders were perfectly timed for Trent’s whipped deliveries, often catching opponents completely off guard. Whether it was a low cutback or a lofted diagonal, Trent’s technical brilliance complemented Salah’s explosive pace and sharp finishing. It was a partnership that became one of Liverpool’s deadliest weapons under Jürgen Klopp.

The Void Left Behind

Since Alexander-Arnold’s departure — a move that sent shockwaves through the fanbase — Liverpool have struggled to replicate that same fluidity down the right-hand side. While the team still boasts quality, the subtle nuances that defined Trent and Salah’s link-up play are missing.

“You can see Salah’s frustration sometimes,” Walcott continued. “He’s making those clever movements, but the timing and precision just aren’t there. Trent was unique — he knew Salah’s rhythm. That’s something you can’t just replace overnight.”

Liverpool’s new full-backs, though talented, haven’t yet developed the same chemistry or spatial awareness to anticipate Salah’s attacking patterns. The Egyptian forward often thrives on instinctive plays, and when that mutual understanding falters, his game becomes noticeably more predictable.

Trent’s Tactical Intelligence

What set Alexander-Arnold apart wasn’t only his delivery but his football IQ. His awareness of when to push forward, when to hold back, and how to manipulate defensive lines gave Salah freedom to roam and cut inside.

“Trent was like an extra playmaker,” Walcott explained. “He wasn’t just a right-back; he was part of the creative engine. When Salah drifted infield, Trent would occupy the wide area and stretch the pitch. They covered for each other naturally.”

Without him, Salah has been forced to drop deeper at times, or rely on midfielders who aren’t as naturally inclined to provide that same quality of service. The ripple effect has been felt across Liverpool’s entire attacking setup.

What Lies Ahead for Salah

There’s no denying Salah remains one of the Premier League’s most consistent and lethal forwards. But even world-class players need the right supporting cast to thrive. Walcott’s comments underscore how much individual brilliance in football depends on collective understanding — something Liverpool are still trying to rebuild.

“Mo’s standards are incredibly high,” Walcott concluded. “He’s probably thinking, ‘Trent never made this mistake — he knew my game inside out.’ And that’s the truth. You can’t replace a connection like that easily.”

As Liverpool adapt to a new era, one thing is clear: the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold has left more than just a tactical gap — it’s left a creative and emotional void that even Salah, with all his experience and excellence, can still feel.

In football, partnerships define greatness — and the Salah–Alexander-Arnold duo may forever be remembered as one of the most dynamic pairings in modern Premier League history.