Following Liverpool’s disappointing 3-2 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage, former England midfielder Joe Cole delivered a scathing assessment of Reds manager Arne Slot, criticizing his handling of one of the club’s most promising young talents.
Speaking post-match, Cole didn’t mince words:
“He’s better than Jude Bellingham and Camavinga. The only reason he’s not at their level is poor management. Slot has failed the lad. If he’d played more, he could’ve made the difference today.”
Cole’s frustration came after the young Liverpool star made an immediate impact off the bench, bringing composure, creativity, and energy that had been missing for most of the game.
Fans at Craven Cottage and online echoed his sentiment, questioning why such a gifted player had been sidelined.
“One of the most talented players at the club is rotting on the bench,” one fan posted on X. “Why wasn’t he starting?”
Despite a late rally, Liverpool couldn’t overcome Fulham’s sharp finishing, with Rodrigo Muniz and Andreas Pereira sealing the win.
But the post-match narrative quickly shifted from the scoreline to the player many now see as a cornerstone for Liverpool’s future.
As Joe Cole’s remarks gain traction and fan criticism builds, Arne Slot is under increasing pressure to justify his selection decisions.
If this trend continues, the Reds not only risk dropping points — they may also risk losing a generational talent.
Will Slot respond to the growing demands for change before it’s too late?