Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has expressed his disapproval of the criticism aimed at Liverpool’s Egyptian superstar, Mohamed Salah, during the current season. Despite his consistent performance over the years and his status as one of the most skilled players in the Premier League, Salah has faced scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.
Salah’s recent performance in the Premier League had been underwhelming by his high standards before Liverpool’s 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. He had only managed to score twice in his last eight league games, both from the penalty spot. This led to dissatisfaction from some sections of the footballing community, who questioned his form.
Furthermore, Salah’s on-field clash with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during the 2-2 draw with West Ham United also contributed to the negative attention. Critics pointed to these factors as signs of a decline in Salah’s performance.
However, Ferdinand staunchly defended Salah during an episode of his podcast, Vibe with Five. He highlighted the Egyptian forward’s exceptional track record, which speaks to his quality as a player and his contributions to Liverpool’s success in recent years.
“Can I just say something about Mo Salah? I think he’s been disrespected. I’ve seen a lot of comments about him, people criticizing him, but there’s no debate that Salah has been world-class for years now,” Ferdinand stated.
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Acknowledging that Salah may not be at his peak this season, Ferdinand emphasized the forward’s instrumental role in Liverpool’s past achievements. He also cited the 2018 Champions League final as an example, where Salah’s early departure due to injury drastically changed the game’s outcome in favor of Real Madrid.
“Real Madrid only won that Champions League final because he came off injured. Up until that point, Liverpool was in control, and his exit changed everything,” Ferdinand observed.
Ferdinand praised Salah’s remarkable statistics and pointed out how the Egyptian forward continues to perform at a high level despite the criticism. “His numbers are phenomenal and simply off the charts,” he remarked. “It’s unbelievable how Mo Salah has been so disrespected.”
In conclusion, Ferdinand’s defense of Salah serves as a reminder of the forward’s world-class status and his immense contributions to Liverpool. While there may be valid points in the criticism of his recent performances, it is essential to acknowledge his excellence over the years and his potential to return to top form in the future.
