Owen's theory on Mo Salah discredits Ruud Gullit's 2020 suggestion he "cheats"
Michael Owen's theory on Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has made a mockery of Ruud Gullit's 2020 suggestion that he “cheats”.
The Egyptian has constantly shone for the Reds over the last few seasons and has gone within one goal of chalking up 200 for the club with his strike against LASK. It was a surprise to see him included in the starting line-up versus the Austrian side, particularly given that the Reds were on the verge of progressing to the next round.
Former Liverpool star Owen believed that he had an agreement with boss Jurgen Klopp to play every game as a result. Speaking on TNT Sports, he said: “He must be saying to Jurgen Klopp 'I want to play in these games'. He just churns out the games, doesn't he? He's incredible. A machine."
Indeed, Salah has only missed one game for Liverpool this season - that being the 3-1 Carabao Cup victory against Leicester at Anfield. Owen’s suggestion goes completely against Gullit’s theory that Salah was a “cheat”.
The Dutch icon suggested back in 2020 that the forward did not work as hard as his teammates despite his eye-watering goalscoring record. Speaking at the time, Gullit said: "The only one who is maybe less hard working of everybody is Salah, he cheats sometimes. If you look at [Sadio] Mane and [Roberto] Firmino, there is a difference.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
"But he is the one who can cheat a little bit, but they still do hard work. You see him doing it [going backwards] but he cheats. It's in a way 'I am going to tackle you' but he doesn't.
Mo Salah was all smiles after Liverpool's win vs LASK (Getty Images)How many goals will Mo Salah score this season? Share your prediction in the comments below
"It's just to be there, and I think Klopp has him in a way where he says 'Just go 10 yards backwards, get in your position, that's easier, but get back in your position, don't stay up front'.”
Without Mane and Firmino at the club - the pair now both playing in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli respectively - Salah has continued to be a shining light for the Reds. He scored and notched an assist against LASK to make it 13 goals and five assists in just 19 appearances in all competitions this term.
Salah’s new attacking colleagues also managed to find the net against the Austrian side. Luis Diaz opened the scoring for the Reds with a smart header, while Dutch forward Cody Gakpo also managed to chalk up a brace.
The trio will all be aiming to extend their positive form this weekend as Liverpool return to Premier League action. Klopp’s side welcome Fulham to Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
