Paul Ince claimed that Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah was struggling and suggested that he may have the same issue as Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
The former Reds player stated that despite Salah’s struggles he couldn’t be dropped as the Reds’ attacking trio must be kept together at all times.
Ince then proceeded to explain that he thought the Reds’ winger was not at his best so far this season due to having played at the World Cup in the summer, and suggested that might be reason Pogba is also performing below par at Old Trafford.
“Yeah, Salah’s struggling, but he’s an outstanding player,” Ince told the Daily Express.
“You can’t drop him as you need to keep those three (Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane) together.
“He was injured at the end of last season and maybe wasn’t fully fit for Egypt.
“I know Pogba was great for France but he’s not been as impressive for United, that could be because of the World Cup.
“I’ve played in these tournaments and they’re far from easy, they’re draining and can be exhausting.
“That could be why Salah is struggling and possibly Pogba too.”
OPINION
Ince is completely wrong to effectively dub Salah as undroppable as no player has that status at Anfield. While Jurgen Klopp knows his attacking three are better together than apart, that doesn’t mean all should be played whenever possible. Salah hasn’t looked as sharp in front of goal this season as he did in his last campaign, but it still seems harsh to say he is struggling. The 26-year-old has submitted some good displays this season even if he hasn’t been getting on the scoresheet as often as before. Salah’s runs have been luring defenders away from his teammates and they have been racking up the goals instead. While Ince has opted to compare Salah’s form with Pogba’s, it’s hard to believe that they are disappointing some people for the same reason. The Manchester United midfielder, who earns £290,000-a-week at Old Trafford (Source: Spotrac), appears to be not delivering the goods because of his relationship with Jose Mourinho being worse for wear rather than him having a World Cup hangover. Whereas Salah clearly couldn’t be happier working under Klopp, so it’s hard to see how Ince has made the connection.
