Analysing Mo Salah’s Current Form and Future at Liverpool | OneFootball

Mo Salah: A Season of Brilliance Marred by Recent Struggles

The player that’s nearly matching Nunez for debate right now…nearly. In a season that’s seen the familiar thrill of Mo Salah’s electrifying performances for Liverpool, a dip in form brings an air of concern to Anfield. Both can be true and whilst there’s no-one at Anfield with more credit in the back, what we’re seeing right now is concerning. There’s an interesting decision for all parties beckoning.

Seasonal Statistics: The Backbone of Salah’s Impact

Statistics paint the picture of a maestro leading the charge—17 goals, 9 assists, an expected assists (xA) tally of 11, and creating a substantial number of big chances at 20. Salah’s influence on the pitch is quantifiable, his pace and deft touches in the opposition box, leading to a staggering 206 instances, stand as a testament to his quality. The Egyptian King’s forward movement, marked by 123 progressive passes, and his capacity to create an ‘xThreat’ of 5.62, all point to a player at the zenith of his powers.

Photo: IMAGO

Contrasting Performances: The Palace Match Analysis

Yet, as the narrative of the Premier League unfolds, even the brightest stars have moments of eclipse. Salah’s recent outing against Crystal Palace serves as a stark contrast to his season-long exploits. Despite his season statistics suggesting dominance, his lack of impact in the early stages against Palace and the late miss with an xG of 0.86—the highest of the game—highlight a worrying blip in his otherwise stellar campaign. It’s a reminder that even the most consistent of players are not immune to fluctuations in form. He was wasteful against United and non existent against Atalanta like this one.

Contract Talks and Future Concerns

As Liverpool’s number 11 enters the final year of his contract amidst discussions of renewal, this period of inconsistency has timed itself inconveniently. Salah’s recent struggles are reminiscent of the highs and lows of football, where the line between hero and scapegoat is thin. His previous injury, while not sidelining him for long, does beg the question of durability and longevity. There’s even a wonder if he’s fully fit right now and the stretching against Atalanta was concerning.

Response to Form: Fans and Management Weigh In

Considering the formidable array of talent Liverpool possesses, the emergence of concerns around Salah is not unwarranted. The expectations placed on his shoulders are not solely due to his status as a prolific goal scorer but also due to the role he plays in orchestrating Liverpool’s attack, which seemed to have lost its usual rhythm against Palace. Yet, one must tread carefully, as history has often shown that a momentary lapse does not a decline make. Salah’s contribution to Liverpool’s recent successes is indelible and calls for a measured response to his current form. With a year left to go though and a full change in everything at Anfield, it’s right to wonder what Edwards, Hughes and even Salah are thinking.