Mohamed Salah just proved he can fill new role for Liverpool that he already hinted he wants

In December 2020, Liverpool traveled to Denmark to face Midtjylland on matchday six of the Champions League group stages, knowing top spot and progression to the knockouts were already assured.

Jürgen Klopp predictably made numerous changes to his side, handing starts to the likes of Kostas Tsimikas, Leighton Clarkson, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi.

With none of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Virgil van Dijk playing, Liverpool was without its first four captains.

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In their absence, the honor went to right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, rather than forward Mohamed Salah.

“Honestly, I was very disappointed,” Salah told AS. “I was expecting to be the captain, but it’s a manager’s decision, so I accept it.”

Salah would be handed the armband in the second half of a 4-1 Premier League victory at Manchester United later that season, but glimpses of the Egyptian as skipper have been exceedingly rare.

However, his comments about Alexander-Arnold in a recent interview suggest he’s ready to take on the mantle with greater frequency.

The right-back endured a tricky season until his recent positional shift, going five months without a Premier League assist and missing out on the England squad in March.

That led to him facing considerable scrutiny, but Salah has now lifted the lid on the support he offered to his teammate.

“He’s a really professional guy, I’m always with him in the gym, and in training we just speak,” he told Stadium Astro. “I always say; ‘If you want to speak about anything, just come to me’.

“I’m sure Hendo [Jordan Henderson] does the same and other players. We know how good he is and he knows that about himself as well. It doesn’t matter about someone’s opinion, it doesn’t change anything — just don’t let it affect you, that’s always my opinion.”

Liverpool.com says: With Milner on his way out this summer, there’s a vacancy in Liverpool’s leadership core, and there’s a strong case that Klopp should look to Salah to fill it.

He leads by example with his peerless consistency and daily fitness regime, but it’s also clear that he’s a supportive presence too, a crucial function of a captain.

Alexander-Arnold will know he can approach Salah, a player for whom he’ll have massive respect, for some valuable words of wisdom when he’s struggling.

In 12 months, the 30-year-old’s contract will be up for renewal again, and so it would be smart for the Reds to make him feel important.