2 weeks ago
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Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah had a standout international break, scoring twice for Egypt in the country's 3-0 victory over Djibouti, but many people believe he's missing his old teammate, Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Egypt's victory secured the country its place in next summer's World Cup and made Salah the top scorer in African World Cup qualification history. Despite being given a rest for Egypt's match against Guinea-Bissau, the 33-year-old still returned home to cheer on his teammates and join in the celebrations as they anticipate their fourth appearance at the finals.
Salah has since posted pictures on social media of himself working out in the gym and enjoying the sun abroad, before returning to Merseyside. Liverpool is due to face Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday.
Despite Salah's previous strong performances in this fixture, he won't be able to avoid the increasing scrutiny over his performances, even after his international success.
So far this season, the Liverpool forward has netted three goals and provided three assists in 10 appearances, but hasn't scored from open play in the Premier League since the opening match of the season. Both Salah and Liverpool have been underperforming, with pundits quick to speculate on the reasons behind the Egyptian star's apparent dip in form.
One theory is that Salah is missing Alexander-Arnold following the defender's move to Real Madrid. Don Hutchinson and Emmanuel Petit have both suggested this is the case.
"The understanding between Trent and Salah on the right flank was excellent," Petit said when speaking to Boyle Sports.
"Trent supported Salah with his passing, and they seemed to play with a telepathic connection, understanding each other's movements very well. Yes, I believe he is suffering from that loss, but as I said, this is in the past. With new signings, it takes time.
"When you join big clubs like Liverpool, especially as the reigning champions, it's very difficult for new signings to integrate. This reminds me of welcoming new players to the national team after winning the World Cup and Euros, it was very challenging for them to adapt to the dressing room.
"I spoke with some players last week about this, and they said how difficult it was for them. I can understand the situation, especially with the added pressure of a price tag on their shoulders. Salah has likely missed Alexander-Arnold, but I think he's truly missed the way Liverpool has played for years."
Meanwhile, Hutchison told online-casinos.com: "Mo Salah's missing Trent. You know, he's missing his passes straight into his feet.
"The forward line, even though some of them hadn't played with Trent, would benefit hugely from his superb 40, 50-yard diagonal balls over the top, sent forward with precision.
"Another player that I think they're missing massively is Luis Diaz. He scored a good goal against Eintracht Frankfurt. It was typical Diaz. He faced the full-back up, chopped it onto his left foot, and stuck the ball in the stanchion. So I think the players that have been brought in are exceptional players, but at the same time, they miss that continuity. They've lost some massive players."
Salah is poised for a reunion with Alexander-Arnold, as the defender is set to return to Liverpool when Madrid travels to England on November 4 to face the Reds in the Champions League.
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