OPINION
Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge was notable for many things, and the bemused look on Mohamed Salah’s face when he was substituted was certainly one of them.
The Egyptian made way for Xherdan Shaqiri in the 66th minute against Maurizio Sarri’s side, and looked quizzically across at manager Jurgen Klopp when the announcement was made.
Clearly, the 5ft 8in [Source: Transfermarkt] attacker wouldn’t have been withdrawn with the Reds chasing games last season, but Salah has failed to fire on all cylinders this term.
The 26-year-old has registered three goals in nine matches so far this campaign, not a bad total by any means but certainly below the blistering pace he set last year.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, though, has issued a staunch defence of the forward: “He’s not in great form, but I don’t really think he’s in bad form either,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think a little bit too much has probably been made of Salah’s form. He is only one goal down on last season. I hope Klopp is saying this to him about the goals he scored last season: if he doesn’t get over 40 goals, it doesn’t mean he’s had a bad season.
“That lad will always score goals because he still makes the runs in the right positions. I’ve got no problem with how many goals he’s scored or what he’s like around the box. He is doing okay,” he said.
Carragher is correct in what he’s saying. Salah hasn’t played badly, but he has been outshined by other members of the Liverpool squad who have had phenomenal starts to the season.
Last term the Egypt international was the undisputed star of the team, but this year he has been outclassed by the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane.
Even Daniel Sturridge, who stole the show off the bench on Saturday, has arguably impressed more than Salah so far this season.
That’s not to say that the 26-year-old is playing poorly, just that he’s not reaching the phenomenal heights he scaled last campaign.
So Carragher’s assessment is correct, but Salah does need to improve his form. He’s played OK so far, but he can do so much better.
He is the most talented player in this Liverpool team and if Klopp’s side are to challenge for everything this season then their mercurial Egyptian needs to get back to his best.
