Paul Merson has delivered a scathing assessment of Mohamed Salah following what he described as the worst individual display he has ever witnessed, as Liverpool prepares for the new Premier League campaign.
The Reds enter the new season as reigning champions. However, the campaign has begun on a concerning note, with Liverpool suffering defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
Merson was particularly troubled by what he observed at Wembley - especially Salah's showing. The Arsenal legend has warned that the Egyptian's partnership with summer acquisition Jeremie Frimpong could prove problematic throughout the forthcoming campaign. 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."
Mohamed Salah struggled against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield
Mohamed Salah struggled against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield (Image: Getty Images)
Merson added: "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 during this summer transfer window. Despite Merson's concerns, he made an impressive start to his Reds career by finding the net at Wembley.
Liverpool kicks off its Premier League season on Friday when it hosts Bournemouth at Anfield. Salah will undoubtedly be looking to silence Merson's doubts with his own impressive beginning.
The 33-year-old delivered another exceptional campaign in 24/25, netting 34 times whilst providing 23 assists across all competitions.
Salah also boasts an outstanding record against this weekend's opposition, Bournemouth, having scored 11 goals in merely 12 career outings against the Cherries.
After playing Bournemouth, Liverpool then faces Newcastle, having been embroiled in transfer speculation with the Magpies regarding their star forward, Alexander Isak.