Alan Shearer Applauds Mohamed Salah's Defensive Contributions for Liverpool
BBC Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer has publicly praised Mohamed Salah for his improved defensive work rate at Liverpool, highlighting a notable shift in the forward's performance in recent matches.
Salah's Impact Since Africa Cup of Nations Return
Since returning from international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, the 33-year-old Salah has made a significant impact on the pitch. In his seven appearances, he has scored two goals and provided four assists, contributing to Liverpool's campaign revival.
This upturn comes after a period of uncertainty regarding his future at Anfield, sparked by a candid interview before his departure. However, his recent displays suggest these concerns have been resolved, with manager Arne Slot commending his efforts.
Arne Slot's Positive Assessment
Following Liverpool's 3-0 FA Cup victory over Brighton, Slot expressed his satisfaction with Salah's performance. "It is very nice to have him on the scoresheet again, but what I like the most is he is scoring goals you can almost expect, and he also helps the team a lot defensively. That is something very positive," Slot remarked.
Slot further emphasized the team's improved intensity and quality, stating, "The future looks really bright, and the recent seven, eight, nine, and ten games are showing that."
Shearer's Observations on Salah's Work Rate
Shearer, speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, echoed Slot's sentiments. "Did you hear Arne Slot yesterday? He actually went out of his way, I think, to praise Mo Salah's work defensively, which I've noticed in the last couple of games where he's doing a lot more work defensively than I've seen him do for a while," Shearer said.
This praise underscores a broader recognition of Salah's enhanced industry, marking a positive development in his game.
Other Liverpool Players Earning Praise
Salah is not the only Liverpool player to receive accolades recently. Dominik Szoboszlai has also impressed, scoring in the win over Brighton and earning praise for his versatility and energy.
Micah Richards commented, "Szoboszlai has taken his game to the next level. Whether he's playing right back, centre mid, or number 10, he can play pretty much anywhere. His energy, technique, and driving runs make him their outstanding player this season."
Shearer added, "He's had to fill in at right back as well this season, hasn't he? He's a really good player with a great engine."
Overall, these assessments highlight a period of positive momentum for Liverpool, with key players like Salah and Szoboszlai stepping up to drive the team forward.
