Manchester United icon Dimitar Berbatov lauds Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah while giving his prediction for the Northwest derby match

Manchester United icon Dimitar Berbatov praised Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah while predicting Sunday’s Northwest derby Premier League match. Liverpool face their historical rival with no margin for error as they lie at the top of the Premier League.

The Reds surprised lots of football fans and pundit with their steep return to the top after last season’s struggle. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp used the summer transfer window to completely revamp his midfield with fresh and hungry talents.

The Reds suffered with ageing players past their peak years last season, hampering their high-pressing, counter-pressing and attacking philosophy. The impressive start to the Merseyside career of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch helped the club rejuvenate.

The new tactical approaches by Klopp raised questions over Salah’s influence on the team but the Egyptian nullified those doubts. During the possessional phases, the team has deployed the 31-year-old further wide, with the player only cutting in during the final third.

Salah successfully adapted to this new style of play and maintained his high level of productivity in goals and assists. The Egyptian has relied on link-up plays and creativity in distribution rather than beating the defenders through dribbling and pace.

Salah has scored 14 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions from 22 appearances during this season. The Egypt captain remains one of the most pivotal and core parts of Klopp’s team despite the huge squad transition.

While providing his predictions on Metro, Berbatov wrote about the importance of Salah and the danger he poses to United. He wrote:

“Salah is the main threat for Liverpool, but they have many great players. Klopp is smart enough to explore the weaknesses of Man United in their form, and we know Liverpool will start the game like mad dogs, they’ll chase, bite, and probably score.”

Alisson Salah. The moment we all knew #LIVMUN 19/20 pic.twitter.com/kQTNTsxOXD

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 17, 2023

Liverpool face their rivals at Anfield for the first time since humiliating United 7-0 in March during the last season. The Reds need to be wary about getting complacent or taking their historic rivals lightly despite their season’s struggle. United have relied upon individual brilliance in the games they’ve won this season and Klopp’s men need to be careful.

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Salah has a pivotal role to play as Liverpool muster yet another Premier League challenge in a very competitive season. The Reds’ title rivals Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester City are not far behind, leaving no margin for error.