‘Long time’ Arne Slot fetes ‘special’ Liverpool star; outlines future hopes

Liverpool boss Arne Slot praised Mohamed Salah for not letting the team down whenever they needed him the most. Newcastle United holds Liverpool for a draw in an intense Premier League game at St James Park on Wednesday night. The undesired two-point drop shortens the advantage over second-place Arsenal and third-place Chelsea to seven points for the Merseyside club.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot made a few changes in the starting lineup, considering the player’s fitness amid fixture congestion. Slot played Jarell Quansah against the Magpies as the right back to give rest to recently returned vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Furthermore, Curtis Jones replaced Dominik Szoboszlai and Darwin Nunez replaced Luis Diaz in the starting lineup for the away game. Liverpool struggled with the physicality and aggression that Newcastle players showed throughout the game, facing problems with the officiating too.

Match referee Andy Madley produced numerous yellow cards for the Liverpool players for showing any aggression in retaliation, adding frustration. However, the Reds have themselves to blame in the end as some players made critical mistakes which proved too costly.

Nevertheless, legendary forward Mohamed Salah delivered another sensational performance with two goals and an assist to his name last night. The 32-year-old has once again let his performance do the talk amid the contract uncertainty surrounding his future right now.

Speaking to Amazon Prime (via Mirror), Slot highlighted how Salah has helped Liverpool in dire situations every time this season. He said:

 “After the week we had we could change the game which is a very positive thing to take. Every time we need Mo Salah he scores a goal.We are hoping and expecting he can continue this for a long time. He was outstanding in the second half, he did many special things for us.”

Salah has scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists from 21 games in all competitions so far this season. The 32-year-old’s contributions have played a pivotal role in Liverpool securing 18 victories from 21 games in all competitions.

More Liverpool News

• Liverpool star cautions against ‘extra motivation’ vs Newcastle United
• Numbers highlight Arne Slot’s defensive acumen as Liverpool face Newcastle
• Liverpool star ‘unwilling’ to get involved as key trio run down contract

The Reds need the Egypt captain to maintain his fitness level as they face Everton next in the Premier League game on Saturday. Liverpool needs to bounce back while keeping the fitness of their team in check as the ruthless fixture congestion continues.