Why Liverpool fans are completely wrong to worry about Mohamed Salah's 'slow' start to the season - opinion
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Mohamed Salah has faced criticism for a slow start for Liverpool, but his statistics after the first six games this season tell a different story.
The ‘Egyptian King’ was involved in the Merseyside Derby today, where he was able to register an assist for a sublime Ryan Gravenberch volley in the first half.
In their 2-1 win against their rivals, the Reds’ newest recruit, Hugo Ekitike, was able to get on the scoresheet once again with a low effort that got past Jordan Pickford.
The Idrissa Gueye goal was unfortunate, but it was the result of a poor second-half performance for his side after such a positive first 45 minutes.
However, the 33-year-old winger continued to get his goal contributions, especially as pundits believe he has not been at his best, with Tory Deeney sharing his theory for Salah’s drop-off.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The former Watford striker believes his first touch, a stop-start pre-season, and his contract renewal have led to a slower start to his season.
However, the comments by Deeney and others do not really stack up with the reality of his goal contribution statistics this season.
While his overall play has taken a slight hit, he is still nearing his usual levels if the first six games of the season are anything to go by.
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In all competitions for the last two seasons, the ‘Egyptian King’ has registered seven contributions in the opening six games of the season.
Compare that to this season, where his Everton assist has taken him to six contributions; it is not the cause for concern that people in the footballing world have been claiming it is.
First six games of the season in all competitionsGoal contributions (G/A)2025/266 G/As2024/257 G/As2023/247 G/As2022/234 G/As
He is currently equal in his goal and assist tally, and when you explore the 2022/23 season, which was not his best, his start only saw him register four goal contributions.
If he had fallen to that level or below, then there would be a fair point to make about Salah, but it seems that there is not enough focus on his output for their side.
It seems that he is still trying to work out his partnerships with new players and find better link-up play within their side, but like the rest of the squad, it is taking longer than usual.
It is also interesting that with his latest assist, he has further cemented his legacy in the English top-flight.
Salah has now joined the top 10 for both goals scored (4th) and assists provided (9th), which is an incredible achievement for the winger.
He joins an exclusive club that includes Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard as the only other players to achieve the same feat.
You cannot deny the greatness of this magnificent player, and it is all the more special that he plays for the best club in the world.