Liverpool backed to drop an out-of-form Mohamed Salah
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has claimed that Liverpool will drop superstar attacker Mohamed Salah following a five-game run without a goal in the Premier League.
The Egyptian has been one of the standout performers for the Reds the last few years and a key part of their success under Jurgen Klopp. However, he appears to have lost that edge since returning from the African Cup of Nations towards the end of the previous campaign.
Salah’s return of four goals and assists apiece from ten games this season across all competitions is not bad. However, his performance in games has been lacking and the lack of clinical efficiency he was privy to in recent years has all but disappeared.
It represents a poor return from the 30-year-old who penned a lucrative new deal last summer. Our attacking lineup sans Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz have been found wanting this season and Salah is no exception.
Despite his reputation, the buck has to stop somewhere. Whelan believes the time has come and that Liverpool will bench their star man.
“I expect Salah will be dropped soon, and I don’t mean rotated, either.”
Jurgen Klopp’s men take on Rangers in the UEFA Champions League before facing Arsenal at the weekend in the Premier League. They then face defending champions Manchester City. Given the urgency to secure points, Klopp is better off retaining his faith in players on top form.
Whelan believes Klopp will axe the Egyptian this week itself. Given the games coming up, it would be a statement of intent indeed.
“Jurgen Klopp has stuck with him up until now, but I think that could be about to change this week.”
Salah has had his moments of profligacy and failed to turn up. Klopp has stood by him and has done so of late as well. With us dropping points on a regular basis, there is no room for sentiment.
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Dropping a player of Salah’s status could light a fire under the Egyptian international. This could help reignite his form, also acting as a catalyst for a renewed Liverpool assault on the major trophies.
We cannot afford to let players coat-tail on their reputations alone. Given the high standards needed to trump Manchester City, form should alone be the deciding factor for team selections.
