'He won't be happy': Wayne Rooney explains theory of why Mohamed Salah is upset with Liverpool now
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Mohamed Salah has started his season in fine form for Liverpool despite pundit criticism.
The Reds winger registered his sixth goal contribution of the season so far for the club with a great assist for Ryan Gravenberch’s stunning finish against Everton in their 2-1 Merseyside Derby victory.
Arne Slot has started Salah in all six games this season, as the man on the right flank is one of the best right-sided players in the world, let alone the club.
The 33-year-old is coming off an incredible record-breaking season, where he won the Premier League title, Playmaker award, Player of the Season, and the Golden Boot as he climbed the all-time scorers list.
He signed his new two-year deal with the club before the end of last season, along with Virgil van Dijk, so the two modern legends could extend their stay at the club.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Liverpool have been very active in the transfer window this season, bringing in two new forwards to play alongside the ‘Egyptian King,’ but Wayne Rooney believes this can cause an issue.
The former Manchester United striker has spoken about the issues with the club bringing in new star forwards to the club and how it will impact those who have made their name in the team.
Alexander Isak is the player that Rooney believes will have caused Salah to be unhappy with the club, despite still performing at his best.
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It was the signing of the summer for the club as Isak joined despite a tumultuous pre-season where he had to force a move out of Newcastle United, which was finally completed on deadline day.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the 39-year-old explained why he feels the Swede’s introduction will be something the Egyptian will not enjoy.
He said: “When you are at a big club and you sign players, and obviously the money that Isak has gone for.
You want to be the best, and so Mo Salah, even though he has been Liverpool’s best player for years, he won’t be happy that Isak is coming in, he is getting all the attention.
“Mo Salah will want to be the best, and when he is on the pitch, it is that personal pride.
So I think that has lifted his game as well.”
While the Englishman may have somewhat of a point about the reaction of the star player, the signing of the 26-year-old striker is a net positive for not just the team but Salah himself.
Even though Hugo Ekitike has been brilliant and a revelation for the club, making it a difficult choice between him and Isak, the performances of the Swedish striker at his old club have shown why he and Liverpool’s player on the right flank will gel together perfectly.
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The service Salah can provide to Isak will be perfect for a forward who likes to drift in and out of wide areas and find space on the edge of the box.
But Isak’s ability to provide an opening for his fellow forwards means it could be a partnership similar to that of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez, albeit with one being a winger.