Mohamed Salah has received criticism from the media, but he does have the backing of Liverpool legend John Barnes.
Last season, the Egyptian had his best individual season when he helped the Reds win the Premier League title, as he was also awarded the Golden Boot and Playmaker awards for his incredible 47 goal contributions.
The player, like his team, has been in poor form, especially in the three straight defeats that occurred before the international break, which has caused scrutiny on his slower start to the season.
While he had struggled in those recent games, it seems Salah will at least be coming back to Liverpool with a confidence boost as he helped his country qualify for the World Cup in 2026 with his two goals against Djibouti.
Now the 33-year-old has found the support of former Reds striker Barnes, who was passionate in his defence of the player’s form this season.
John Barnes defends Mohamed Salah’s form but expects less goals this season
The 61-year-old is one of the best to ever lace it up for Liverpool and knows the difficulties that are faced by top forwards in a high-profile position at such an important club.
When asked about the team’s form, the player was frank in his assessment of the team not having the balance right so far this season, but that they will be able to find their form sooner rather than later.
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Questioned about Salah’s perceived drop-off, Barnes explained that the reason for his lack of involvement was down to play not funnelling through the right channel.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said that he is a valuable member of the squad and he expects fewer goals from him this season because of the team changes.
Barnes said: “Well, if you look at the way he was when he was on fire and he was playing really well, that’s because everything went through him. Because if you look at the makeup of the team, the person in the team meant that everything was going to be for Mo to score and Mo to be the star player.
“When you talk about Wirtz and like Ekitike, and then you have Isak, then Mo is not going to stand out as much because you have other players who are going to be doing certain things.
“So Mo is still valuable to the team. He’s still doing as well. I don’t think he’s necessarily going to score as many goals as he did or have that much of an impact, but if you’re going to win the league with Mo scoring less goals, being part of a team that’s fine.
“Because if Mo is going to do what Mo has done in the last three years you’re not going to see Wirtz, you’re not going to see Ekitike, so you kind of all of them you know being the main player so I suppose that’s probably worked a little bit against Mo but he’s still valuable and worth his weight in gold to the team.”
John Barnes predicts a win for Liverpool in ‘dangerous’ Manchester United game
It would be incredible if Salah was able to score on the back of the international break against Manchester United, given his outstanding record, but it will be a tough fixture.
The Sunday clash will provide an interesting platform to see Arne Slot’s side’s response to their three straight defeats against an inconsistent United team.
Barnes has recognised the danger the Red Devils pose when they show up, but he has predicted it will be a victory for his old club.
He said: “I think Liverpool have had the upper hand, and if Liverpool start well, put them on the back foot, but it’s going to be a dangerous game because Man United have got good players, but as I said, if the unexpected is that which Manchester United is going to turn up.
“I am going for a home win. I don’t go for scores because who would have said 7-0 all those years ago… I think Liverpool would win, I won’t say comfortably, but I think they’ll win.”
To return after a break to this game may not be ideal; however, the supporters at Anfield will be up for it and are sure to make it a special game.
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