Paul Merson has lambasted Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah for the worst display he's witnessed ahead of the start of the new Premier League season. The Reds embark on the new term as reigning champions.
However, the campaign hasn't commenced ideally, with Liverpool suffering defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield. Merson was troubled by what he witnessed at Wembley - especially Salah's showing.
The Arsenal legend has suggested that the Egyptian's partnership with summer acquisition Jeremie Frimpong might be tested throughout the forthcoming season.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said: "It was a bit of a worrying performance from Salah at Wembley. I don't think I've seen a player play that badly before in a football match.
"But that can be Salah. He can go missing for a few weeks before going on a run of scoring in 10 matches on the trot or smashing in a hat-trick.
"One thing that might be difficult for him this season is playing in front of Jeremie Frimpong. Compared to Trent Alexander-Arnold, he's more like an attacking winger."
Merson continued: "With Trent, Salah could make any run and he'd be picked out. Trent would also attract defenders, leaving Salah more space. Trent could destroy you himself.
"Frimpong's a good player but he's not a destroyer. He plays so far forward that he's not a natural defender. Trent wasn't either but the same thing applies really, I think Ibrahima Konate could be too exposed. There's a major problem down that side of the pitch, even more so than last season."
Frimpong arrived at Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen this summer in a deal worth £29.5m. Despite Merson's doubts, he made an impressive start to his Anfield career by finding the net at Wembley.
Liverpool kick off their Premier League season on Friday night when they host Bournemouth at Anfield. Salah will undoubtedly be keen to silence Merson's criticism with his own flying start.
The 33-year-old delivered another exceptional campaign in 24/25, netting 34 goals and providing 23 assists across all competitions.
Salah also boasts an outstanding record against this week's visitors Bournemouth, having scored 11 times in just 12 career outings against the Cherries.
After their encounter with Bournemouth, Liverpool then face Newcastle, having been embroiled in transfer speculation with the Magpies regarding their star striker Alexander Isak.