Underperforming Liverpool star "embodies confidence crisis" amid worrying stats

11 February 2023 , 06:29

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Underperforming Liverpool star "embodies confidence crisis" amid worrying stats

Mohamed Salah 's struggles in front of goal sum up the Liverpool "confidence crisis" in the eyes of Chris Sutton.

The Egyptian, who was in sensational form in the first-half of last season, has long been amongst the goals, picking up several Golden Boots during his time in England. In recent weeks though he's been unable to hit his usual level - which is a problem shared by his team.

Salah remains a mainstay in a front three that has regularly changed this year - partly due to new arrivals and partly due to notable injury woes. The 29-year-old has only scored seven times in the league this term - but has failed to provide a goal or an assist since Boxing Day.

Sutton said in the Daily Mail : "What has happened to Mohamed Salah? Once a Fantasy Football banker, he has not scored or assisted a goal in the Premier League since Boxing Day. He embodies Liverpool’s confidence crisis."

The former Premier League marksman has also questioned Jurgen Klopp and some of his decisions. The German has seen his side lose three of their last four with their defeats coming at Brentford, Brighton and Wolves - all of whom exposed their defensive woes.

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Cody Gakpo was bought in last month to bolster the team's attack, but critics have cited midfield as the team's problem area yet it wasn't addressed. "Liverpool signed Cody Gakpo in January. Nice player, but it was the midfield that needed addressing. Liverpool’s lack of control in midfield has been a major issue. And yet Klopp and Co did not fix the problem last month," added Sutton.

Mo Salah has struggled to make an impact in the final third (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

"Virgil van Dijk has been a big miss. He has not been outstanding this season but is still the best they have and Joel Matip was found out by Wolves. When your leader is missing, you have to show you can handle yourself.

"For so long, Klopp had nothing but praise lavished on him. But now he is being asked awkward questions. Klopp clashed with a reporter in his post-Wolves press conference. He is letting himself be side-tracked by outside noise.

"We’re not surprised when Liverpool are beaten by Wolves, by Brentford, by Brighton (twice) any more. They are losing because of bad performances and that’s alarming. Klopp’s philosophy is masterful when in full flow but it’s not working and I’m not sure he has a Plan B."

Samuel Meade