Pundit Steve Nicol has claimed Liverpool star Mohamed Salah needs to start performing better if Jurgen Klopp’s side are to make the top-four this season.
Speaking on ESPN FC after the Reds beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 last night, the former Liverpool player suggested the attacker needs to pick his form up if the Merseyside club are to qualify for the Champions League.
“If Liverpool have any hope of getting in the top-four, he has to start scoring regularly,” said Nicol.
“If he can lift his game a little bit, if his overall game can get better, it would make such a huge difference for Liverpool – as far as being able to spend more time up on the other side of the field.”
Nicol says Salah needs to improve
Although Salah’s record on paper this season is relatively strong, his performances on the pitch haven’t been up to his usual standard.
In 35 appearances this term, the 30-year-old has bagged 19 goals and nine assists.
In the Premier League specifically, he has eight goals and five assists – definitely below his usual figures in the English top-flight.
Operating on the right, the Egypt international has been quiet at times, failing to get involved with the run of play.
He has remained far closer to the touchline than he has in previous seasons, where he played as more of an inside forward.
Therefore, it’s fair to suggest this positional change could help Salah get back to his best.
The £34m man is still a crucial part of Klopp’s XI, and the manager will be counting on him as they look to secure Champions League football.