Liverpool v West Ham United - Premier League - Source: Getty
Liverpool v West Ham United - Premier League - Source: Getty
Former Liverpool winger Mark Kennedy has taken an aim at superstar Mohamed Salah and has labelled him as 'yesterday's man'. We have witnessed a remarkable fall from grace in Salah's form this season as he looks like a shadow of his former self.
Since his reported £34.3 million switch from AS Roma in 2017, Salah has been Liverpool's best attacking player each season. During his nine-year stint at Anfield, the Egyptian has etched his name as one of the greatest players in Premier League history.
However, the 33-year-old has evidently suffered a major dip in form this season, which has hurt Arne Slot's side. He has scored just seven goals and provided eight assists in 29 games across competitions this season.
Pundit Mark Kennedy has claimed that Salah is way past his best years, and his overall game has been pretty poor. He has also claimed that Arne Slot's side have struggled with Salah not being able to produce his usual numbers. Kennedy told talkSPORT:
"I am going to be controversial here. When I look at Salah's stats last year, they're absolutely phenomenal. But every time I watch Liverpool, I never liked Salah. I think his ball retention is really, really poor. He gives up a lot of possession, and I've been really vocal when I speak to people about Salah this year. I am a Liverpool fan, I am a big fan of Salah, I think he's amazing, but I think he's yesterday's man."
The former Manchester City winger added:
"I am not surprised by his performances this year because I've actually been saying it for a long time. I think that has affected Liverpool because when you look at what Liverpool have lost from last year, they've lost a huge amount of goals. Salah got 29 in the Premier League last year, he's got four. Then you look at Salah's behaviour and his comments... While he may have a point, it just doesn't help anybody, and I just think it has been a big distraction, but Liverpool have lost a huge amount of firepower."
Salah has scored 252 goals and provided 121 assists in 430 games for Liverpool till date. He has won every trophy during his time at Anfield including two Premier League titles and one Champions League.
Hugo Ekitike opens up on his debut season at Liverpool
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has claimed that he is not happy with his numbers despite his strong debut season in English football. The Frenchman has been a shining light in an otherwise underwhelming season for Arne Slot's side this time out.
Ekitike scored once and provided two assists as the Reds beat West Ham United 5-2 on Saturday, February 28. The former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star has scored 16 goals and provided six assists in 37 appearances across competitions in his debut season. However, Ekitike believes that he could contribute more to the team. He said:
"To be honest, I could score more. I’m not that happy! But it’s not only about goals, it’s assists as well – (on Saturday) I think I gave one or two assists. As long as I can help the team and be involved, that’s the most important. I want to win so, personally, I’m happy."
Ekitike added:
"Obviously I can improve, I could score also in the last games, I had good chances. So I have to keep working. I want to be the best version of myself to help the team more, because I know I could help more. But it’s always about lessons and getting better. I’ll try in the upcoming games to be even better, score more and be involved more."
Ekitike moved to Anfield this summer in a deal worth around £79 million with add-ons. While his signing was overshadowed by the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, he has arguably been Liverpool's best player behind Dominik Szoboszlai this season.