‘Miles off it’: Jermaine Pennant says £34m Liverpool player is doing something he’s ‘never’ seen before this season

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Liverpool have not been their usual composed selves in their last three games, and some players are suffering because of it.Before the international break commenced, the Reds found themselves on the losing end of the fixture against Chelsea, with Arne Slot’s side losing 2-1 thanks to Estevao Willian’s late winner.It was the third defeat in a row in all competitions, which has meant that they have taken a hit to their standings, especially in the Premier League, where they now sit in second behind Arsenal.This poor form has been due to many factors, including the integration of new signings and lacklustre individual performances, which have cost the team precious points.Mohamed Salah has been one of the stars who has garnered criticism for his recent form, given that he had been Liverpool’s best player last season.Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesJermaine Pennant says Mohamed Salah is having a dip in formThere has been a noticeable difference in the way he has played in many games, and of course, the fact that he has not contributed as much in the opening 10 fixtures as he has done for the past few years.It is an issue that seems to be down to a tactical approach as much as it is just getting back into form following pre-season.READ MORE: Egyptian media rate Mohamed Salah as Liverpool superstar returns to goal-scoring formJermaine Pennant was surprised by the performances of the Egyptian international, as he spoke about Salah’s form on the Wildcard Podcast.The ex-professional believed that a drop-off from the 33-year-old was always going to come, but had not expected it to look like it has done.Pennant explained: “Salah has just been miles off it. I think there always will come a time and I think everyone said, ‘When are we going to see this drop-off?’ You know, he’s not getting any younger.

He’s only getting older.“What he’s been doing, his standards have been so high. And now he’s having a dip and we’ve never seen it.

I think maybe after 60 or 70 minutes you drag the guy, drag him off.”Mohamed Salah’s rest for Egypt is a good sign for Liverpool returnWhile he may not be on form for Slot’s side at the moment, Salah has shown that he, as expected, still has his legendary qualities, securing World Cup qualification for Egypt.With one game left in the international break for the star, his Egypt coach, Hossam Hassan, is likely to rest him for the final game of the qualifiers, given his performance in the last game.While it could be argued that a little more game time would be helpful for fitness, the fact that he will be on the bench for the game is great news for Liverpool, who return to action next week.What this allows for is Salah being able to take the confidence of the qualification into the next set of fixtures and be well rested to perform at his best.The break may have come at the right time for a player who has now been provided with a much-needed boost to spur him on to being at his best with Liverpool.