Mohamed Salah looks much more dangerous when he starts for Liverpool alongside Roberto Firmino.
That’s the view of former Premier League defender Damien Delaney. Speaking to Virgin Media Sport ahead of Liverpool’s win over Ajax last night, the pundit analysed how Jurgen Klopp has altered the Reds system this season.
“This year there’s definitely been a notable shift from Jurgen Klopp away from the heavy metal football. He’s definitely tried to change the style,” said the former Crystal Palace man. “The introduction of Thiago is key to that. The other addition of Nunez as well as a No.9 who stays high, who stays central, is a little bit different from Bobby Firmino, who drops into No.10 as well. I think that affects the wide players.
“Liverpool in the past, Bobby Firmino drops in, Mane and Salah are wide making those internal runs. Now you’ve got a No.9 up the pitch. Sometimes now you look at Mo Salah, as great as he is, and he seems to be kicking his heels a bit out on the touchline, can’t seem to get involved.
“His best game [this season] came when Bobby Firmino played, which was in the Man City game where we saw the free-flowing Mo Salah.”
Salah thriving closer to the goal
Having fed off Firmino’s intelligent runs and strategic positioning for the last five seasons, Salah obviously enjoys playing with the £29m man.
But that doesn’t mean that he can’t be effective playing alongside a different player.
Last night against Ajax, Salah partnered Darwin Nunez up front for the first time ever. Although there is obviously things to work on, both players found the net for Liverpool. That’s massively encouraging.
So, rather than a particular preference for who partners him, it just seems as though Liverpool simply need to get Salah playing centrally.
This doesn’t always work, though. Take the weekend’s game against Nottingham Forest as an example. There, Salah and Firmino got the nod and looked desperately toothless for Liverpool.
Some partnerships will work against certain teams but not against others.
Delaney is right to mention what Firmino brings to the side, though. The Brazil international makes those around him play better and is one of the most selfless forwards you’re ever likely to see.
Nice to see Bobby getting his dues.
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