Alan Shearer makes Mohamed Salah observation after Arne Slot's U-turn

Alan Shearer has noticed an increase in Mohamed Salah's defensive work rate in recent games, with manager Arne Slot also praising the Liverpool forward's contribution

Alan Shearer has noticed something(Image: Getty Images)

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has observed a noticeable improvement in Mohamed Salah's work rate during recent matches as the forward seeks to revitalize both his own form and Liverpool's campaign.

The 33-year-old has contributed four assists and netted twice across his seven appearances since returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt. His departure for the tournament came just days after a frank interview in the mixed zone that cast uncertainty over his Anfield future.

However, that uncertainty appears to have been resolved, judging by his displays since. Arne Slot commended him following the 3-0 FA Cup triumph over Brighton.

"It is very nice to have him on the scoresheet again, but what I like the most is, he is scoring goals you can almost expect, but he also helps the team a lot defensively, and that is something very positive," he said.

"What the team also needs and is much more capable of playing every three days at an intensity level, and that is where we struggled at the start of the season, and we see more and more the quality we have, so the future looks really bright, and the recent seven, eight, nine, and 10 games are showing that."

Slot isn't alone in seemingly reversing his opinion and recognizing Salah's increased effort levels; the winger also caught Shearer's attention.

Mohamed Salah has been praised for his workrate in Liverpool's win over Brighton(Image: Getty Images)

The ex-Premier League striker highlighted him for particular praise on the Rest is Football podcast.

"Did you hear Arne Slot yesterday?" Shearer asked.

"He actually went out of his way, I think, to praise Mo Salah's work defensively, which I've noticed in the last couple of games where he's doing a lot more work defensively than I've seen him do for a while."

It's not only Salah who has caught the eye in recent weeks, with Dominik Szoboszlai impressively finding the back of the net in the victory over Brighton.

The midfielder-turned-right-back has earned plaudits from both Micah Richards and Shearer.

"Szoboszlai has took his game to the next level," Richards commented. "Whether he's playing right back, center-mid, whether he's playing number 10, he can play pretty much anywhere.

"His energy, his technique, his driving runs, I think he's been their outstanding player this season".

Shearer continued: "He's had to fill in at right back as well this season hasn't he, he's a really good player, he's got a great engine."