‘Never seen him play this badly’: TalkSport pundit slams £34m Liverpool player after Everton display

Former Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton’s critique of the performance of Mohamed Salah during the Merseyside Derby has ignited a debate, despite the Egyptian winger netting two crucial goals.

Salah’s Subpar Start

Houghton, speaking on talkSport, minced no words in describing Salah’s early performance. He labeled it as “unbelievably poor.”

He emphasized Salah’s sluggish start during the match. Houghton said from the talkSPORT commentary box when the game was still locked at 0-0 in the second half,

“He’s had such a poor game Mo Salah, it’s unbelievable.

I never want to take off a player who can win you it but, I’ve got to be honest with you, what Mo has given Liverpool today, or what he’s not given Liverpool, I’ve not seen him play this bad in a long, long time.

🇪🇬 Mo Salah makes the difference again for Liverpool in today’s derby…

…he’s on fire this season after Saudi deal collapsed in August as #LFC didn’t want to sell Mo.

🏟️ 9 Premier League games
👟 4 assists provided
⚽️ 7 goals scored pic.twitter.com/Z5Qco3Hnj8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 21, 2023

He just looks so much off the pace of the game and his decision making has been poor.

He’s just forcing it at the moment and when you’re having a bad time you do that, you try a difficult ball rather than a simple one.”

Contrasting Views

Houghton’s criticism drew attention, but it’s essential to consider that even great players can have off moments.

Scoring while not performing at one’s best is a testament to Salah’s scoring prowess. His contribution should not be solely judged by his first-half display.

The Unmatched Brilliance of Salah for Liverpool

Salah ultimately demonstrated why he is a vital asset for Liverpool. Despite what Houghton termed one of his “worst-ever” performances in a Reds shirt, Salah secured a Merseyside derby win over Everton.

His penalty and late goal marked his seventh of the season and his 201st in league career. This illustrates his consistency as a goal-scorer.

Impact on Liverpool’s Victory

Jurgen Klopp’s team may have appeared somewhat sluggish after the international break, but Salah’s goals were the difference-makers in their 2-0 win over a ten-man Everton.

He stepped up when it mattered most, proving his worth even on an off day.

The Permanence of Class over Form

Houghton’s call to keep Salah on the field, despite his underwhelming performance, emphasizes the timeless adage that form is temporary, but class is permanent.

Salah’s eventual impact illustrated his ability to rise above a subpar start and seize opportunities.

However, Salah’s ability to deliver on the big stage, even when not at his best, reinforces his value to Liverpool.

The Merseyside Derby served as a reminder that greatness transcends momentary lapses in form. And Salah’s contribution was pivotal in securing a crucial victory for the Reds.

Sridarshi Chowdhury

Passionate about the beautiful game and dedicated to Liverpool FC, where “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is not just a slogan, but a way of life. I live and breathe football, from the roar of the Anfield crowd to the tactical intricacies of the sport.

My expertise lies in dissecting the transfer market, tracking player movements, and uncovering the hidden gems destined for greatness. Whether it’s discussing potential signings, analyzing match strategies, or celebrating the brilliance of players, I’m always ready for a football conversation.