"He’s just having a bad patch at the wrong time" - Gary Lineker believes Liverpool superstar should not be criticized for his recent lack of goals
Football pundit Gary Lineker opened up about the criticism directed at Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, who has struggled in the front of the goal recently.
The mercurial Egyptian ace has arguably been the club's best player since joining them in 2017. In his first season with the Reds, the winger hit 32 goals in 36 league games, and while he has not hit similar heights again, Salah has consistently crossed double digits in goals and assists every year.
This season, he has been just as impressive, providing 17 goals and nine assists in 28 Premier League games. But he has struggled for consistency recently, managing just two goals in the last six league games.
However, Gary Lineker does not think the Egyptian winger should be criticized, saying on The Two Robbies podcast (via LiverpoolWorld):
"I suspect there’s nothing wrong in the mind of Mo Salah, he’s just having one of those little spells that all strikers have. He’s been prolific, he’s been prolific again this season. He’s just having a bad patch at the wrong time."
Lineker also noted how Salah's fitness concerns during international duty with Egypt affected him:
"He’s come back from a couple of injuries and that can make a difference. I omit him from any real criticism, but he has been cold in the past few weeks, but that happens to all strikers."
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher questions Mohamed Salah's recent form
With Jurgen Klopp leaving the club at the end of the season, the new boss will have to take a call on Mohamed Sala's future.
While Gary Lineker doesn't think the 32-year-old deserves criticism for his recent blip in form, Jamie Carragher has no such inhibitions. The former Reds man told Sky Sports (via Sportsmax):
"Mo Salah is Liverpool's goalscorer and he's gone off the boil. That's shone a light on others. There is a real discussion for the new manager about what the future holds for Mo Salah – it's the first time we've asked that question. He only has a year to go on his deal."
Carragher added:
"He's looked a shadow of himself for a lot of this season but especially since he's come back from injury. He is Liverpool's legend, superstar, one of the all-time greats, but he's been so far off it."
The forward will be hoping he can return to form as the season draws to a close, with Liverpool still in the hunt for the league title.