Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James believes Mohamed Salah will have taken note of the “warning” from Arne Slot last night and will make a swift return to the starting XI against Brentford this weekend.
Salah was dropped for the Champions League game at Eintracht Frankfurt and had to watch from the bench as a revamped Reds side cruised to a 5-1 win in Germany.
The Egypt star came on with 16 minutes to go but failed to add his name to the scoresheet.
Salah scored 34 goals and added 23 assists last season as Liverpool cruised to the Premier League title. He has struggled to replicate that form this term, though, and has just six goal involvements (three goals and three assists) to his name so far.
He looked out of sorts against Manchester United on Sunday, prompting Slot to leave him out against Eintracht but James believes it is only a temporary measure.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Arne Slot was obviously trying to warn Mohamed Salah by putting him on the bench, but it was a wonderful win for Liverpool in the end.
“They had to garner the confidence to come from a goal behind, which is the first time they’ve had to do that since Tottenham last season.
“The performance definitely put them in the right position and everything is pointing towards Liverpool having a bright spell again.”
Salah is no impact substitute – James
The former England international added on Salah: “We aren’t coming to a point where Mohamed Salah is only going to be used as an impact substitute.
“But Arne Slot had to make the call, because there were a lot of other people calling for him to make it, and Salah will have to prove himself again with Hugo Ekitike playing the way he is.
“He needs to take heed of that against Brentford at the weekend. I wouldn’t be surprised if Salah does start in that match – and hopefully last night’s warning will get him back on a goal-scoring run.”
James hopes Chiesa gets a greater look-in
Despite Salah’s struggles, and Alexander Isak taking time to settle following his summer move from Newcastle, Italy international Federico Chiesa has been given few opportunities to shine at Anfield.
He came on at half-time last night and impressed and James is hoping he gets more game time despite the Reds’ embarrassment of riches in attack.
“I love Federico Chiesa,” said James. “He seems to be on the border of starting games for Liverpool at the minute but, when we talk about impact substitutes, he is the man that can come on and change a game.
“He won’t be overly happy that he’s not starting games but he will get his opportunities to try to forge his way into what is possibly the most expensive front three in football with the cup games that are coming up.”
Chiesa’s predicament was discussed by our friends at the Italian Football Podcast, prior to last night’s game.
Watch the full version of their latest podcast here:
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