Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has claimed Mohamed Salah looks like a completely different player this season.
Speaking on TalkSPORT this morning, the Spaniard suggested the 30-year-old is playing like a shadow of his usual self – clearly affected by Egypt’s loss in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations last year.
“But the truth is many world-class players in this team, they’ve been performing [like] if he [Klopp] had options, he would bench them,” Enrique said.
“The biggest example, even though Salah yesterday was really good, I don’t know what’s going on with him since he lost the final in the AFCON.
“It’s another player. He looks like another player completely.
“And they just renewed the contract making him one of the biggest salaries in the Premier League – and he’s another player.
“I actually believe they should buy someone to compete to take his place right now.”
Enrique says Liverpool need competition for Salah
This may not be the worst idea in the world, given Salah’s slight drop-off in form this season.
In 22 Premier League matches this term, the 30-year-old has bagged eight goals and five assists.
Whilst this is hardly awful, it certainly isn’t up to the Egyptian’s usual standards. Out on the wing, Salah has looked more and more off the pace.
If he isn’t seen going through on goal, he can sometimes go missing – failing to contribute both offensively and defensively.
This has had a big effect on Trent Alexander-Arnold, as his right-sided teammate rarely tracks back to offer him support.
Therefore, if Liverpool do want to get the best out of Salah – and thus the team, maybe an additional attacker coming in would force him to get back to his old ways.
This will be imperative for Jurgen Klopp, as since he arrived at Anfield in a deal worth £34m, he has been absolutely crucial to any success the Reds have enjoyed.