Liverpool’s chances of retaining the Premier League all but over in November and after a crushing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, many are starting to point the finger at the likes of manager Arne Slot and now, Salah.
Salah has not netted in three consecutive matches in all competitions for the Reds and looks to be a shadow of his former self this season as he continues to fail in front of goal.
Salah is a shadow of his old self
The Egyptian king scored 29 goals and added 18 assists last season, but now has only four Prem goals to his name this season. Speaking on talkSPORT, Souness revealed that he is confused by how bad the winger has been so far.
“He’s been an absolute superstar. This is the nicest thing I can say about Salah: he’s been the go-to man for the last seven years. If you’re picking an all-time Liverpool XI, he’s one of the first names on the team sheet.
“But I think it’s his brother who has turned up this season. I saw an incident in the Community Shield. I’m looking for little signals. He had his back to the sideline and a ball is played up towards the Crystal Palace left-back.
“He’s not going to win it, he’s not the most physical type, but he could at least go and try and make life difficult for the full-back. He made no attempt to make that challenge.
“He’s never been the bravest. He’s never going to get hurt in a 50/50, and I wouldn’t want him to because he’s such a genius at the top end. But he’s shown a lack of appetite. I’m sorry, but hard words are sometimes the kindest words and I think he needs hard words, and ultimately they’ll get him back to being the superstar that he’s been for Liverpool. This season, he has not turned up.”
Salah might be part of Liverpool’s leadership group, but he has not commanded his team this season. Liverpool face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday night in what should be an easy win on paper and a chance for Salah to bounce back.