The real reason for Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool struggles suggested by top source
Liverpool have endured a shocking run of form in recent weeks with criticism of both the manager and a number of star players continuing to grow.
Arne Slot’s side lost 3-2 against Brentford on 25 October, extending their run of defeats to four in the Premier League after the Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Man United losses.
While a number of players are receiving heaving criticism, Mohamed Salah is coming under particular scrutiny, with questions being asked of his performances.
Despite finding the net late on against Brentford, the Egypt international has done little to help his side turn around their fortunes, often fading into the background of games.
Last season’s tally of 29 goals and 18 assists in 38 Premier League games looks a way off, leading to questions about why his form has suddenly dropped off.
Mohamed Salah adjusting to major changes at Liverpool
Football Insider revealed on 24 October that Salah has a “problem” at Liverpool as he is struggling to match the lofty expectations he has set for himself.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the winger has struggled to adapt to the widespread chances made to their front line as Slot led a major overhaul of his attacking options during the summer window.
Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitke and Florian Wirtz were brought in to replace Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, leaving Salah to adjust to his new teammates.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “The problem for Mohamed Salah is that he sets such high expectations with the numbers he produced last year.
“He has struggled this year and his number have dropped significantly, the goals and assists, and even the chances created.
“As you said, he has come under bit of fire for some of those performances, but I don’t think there’ll be any growing pressure from within Liverpool.
“They know what Mo Salah can do, what he can bring to the team as well.
“You have to remember for Mo Salah, he’s working with a whole new front line this year. He saw a number of players leave in the summer.
“He’s working with new players, he’s working with Isak, Ekitike, Wirtz. Cody Gakpo is the only other front-line player at Liverpool that he’s worked with before.
“Obviously he’s struggled, as have Liverpool recently, but I’m sure Liverpool will be confident that when Salah gets back to form that he’ll start producing the goods again.”
After Liverpool spent £446million on summer signings, the expectation was that they would blow teams away with their high-value squad, but that has not been the case.
Arne Slot concerned about Salah’s performances for Liverpool
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 23 October that Slot is concerned about key players at Liverpool as a result of their drop in form.
Chief among the underperforming players is Salah, who has failed to live up to the high ceiling he set last season as he led his side to the Premier League title.
Last season’s success at Anfield saw the likes of Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold on top form, but that has not been the case this term.
As a result, Salah has been warned he will be axed by Liverpool if he continues in his poor run of form, while he started the 5-1 win against Frankfurt on the bench.
This comes after Wayne Rooney criticised Slot’s side, insisting they have become complacent after last season’s success and their busy summer transfer window.
For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.