Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has criticised Mohamed Salah for his performance against Porto in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final at Anfield.
The Egyptian cannot be accused of not trying but, lately, things just haven’t been going to plan for him. His display against Porto was frustrating but still very encouraging despite what Nicol has said.
He told ESPN, via the Liverpool Echo: “At the moment he can’t find a red jersey with a pass.
“And then when he has a shot, that’s the only time he’s finding a red jersey because he hit [Jordan] Henderson once and he hit [Roberto] Firmino straight in the back as well.”
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Salah, who should have been sent off for a late challenge on Danilo Pereira in the second half, actually had a very good game. He might have completely fluffed his lines when he found himself one on one with Iker Casillas, but his presence alone was enough to thwart Porto.
He continuously made dangerous runs that pulled focus from Roberto Firmino, who was able to score and assist at Anfield on Wednesday.
With Chelsea visiting Anfield on Sunday, Salah will be crucial to the Reds continuing their title challenge with a win over the Blues.
All he needs is slightly more luck and to rediscover his deadly finishing touch and Liverpool will be in scorching hot form in the remaining games this season.
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The Liverpool no.11 has scored 21 goals in all competitions this season which would be receiving far more praise if he hadn’t scored 44 last year.
Supporters won’t care if he only scores a few more this season so long as they are decisive in bringing silverware back to Anfield in what is turning into a thrilling end of season run-in.