‘Sloppy’ Salah told he’s detrimental to Liverpool amid transfer rumblings

Mohamed Salah

An ex-Liverpool player has claimed Mohamed Salah “upsets the flow of Liverpool”, and criticised him for failing to complete the “simple things” in football.

Liverpool currently sit atop the Premier League table, but have already dropped as many points as they did in the entirety of last season.

A lengthy injury list has hit hard. However, their recent struggles have stemmed from their inability to kill off contests when in the ascendancy.

Back-to-back draws with West Brom and Newcastle have given rivals hope. In their most recent match, wastefulness in front of goal crept in.

Despite being the league’s top scorer, Salah was guiltier than most, missing one gilt-edged chance and seeing another saved.

The 28-year-old recently became the focus of transfer rumours after reports emerged of his alleged unhappiness in Liverpool.

His impressive goals return would see him a target for Europe’s heavy hitters, and it is this speculation that ex-Red Don Hutchison believes is impacting both the player and the team.

He told Optus Sport (via the Mirror): “I think he is world class. But he frustrates you when you watch him play, and not just with his finishing.

 

“It’s the simple things, he doesn’t complete a 10-yard pass, he seems a bit sloppy, bit casual.

“Sometimes he upsets the flow of Liverpool. He can give a ball away and Liverpool have to start again.

“Maybe the noises of Real and Barca may have affected him a little – but he seems off it.”

 

Owen ranks title contenders

Michael Owen

Meanwhile, Michael Owen says Manchester United will ‘struggle’ to win the Premier League this season despite the Red Devils moving joint top with Liverpool after beating Aston Villa 2-1.

While Liverpool have stalled with 1-1 draws against both West Brom and Newcastle, United have picked up 10 points out of 12 over the Festive period.

And victory over Villa saw them join the Merseysiders on 33 points.

The top two are seven points clear of Manchester City. But Pep Guardiola’s men have two games in hand so the race looks a tight one.

However, Owen believes Liverpool and City remain the teams to beat.

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