Liverpool legend John Barnes has launched a passionate defence of Mohamed Salah, dismissing concerns over the Egyptian's form this season. Salah has five goals and three assists in 16 appearances for the Reds, a far cry from his tally of 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 games last term.
Liverpool invested heavily in the summer, spending £446 million on seven new players including Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz. The overhaul has led to a change in playing style, with the team currently sitting eighth in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest.
Barnes, speaking to Mirror Football on behalf of BetSelect, said the issues are more nuanced than Salah's individual form. He cited a new system that does not create as many chances for the winger, alongside deeper defending from opponents. 'It's a culmination of a new team getting used to new players, us playing differently, and the opposition playing differently against us,' Barnes said.
The former Liverpool winger rejected suggestions that age is a factor, with Salah now 33. 'People are putting two and two together and blaming age,' added Barnes, who remains confident that Liverpool's long-term success is unaffected. He believes Salah will adapt to his new teammates and continue to be a key part of the best XI.
