JURGEN KLOPP HAS revealed that they learnt about Mohamed Salah’s ability to be an efficient striker ‘step by step’, after his purchase.
Liverpool got Salah for around €50 million plus bonuses from Roma on the back of an impressive two seasons with the Italian capital outfit.
Last campaign, the former Chelsea flop scored 19 goals and 12 assists across all competitions playing predominantly as a winger, with Edin Dzeko the focal of the Giallorossi attack.
But owing to his newly-found ruthlessness in the final third, the Egypt international has thrived in the Kops’ dynamic forward line – alonsgide the duo of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane – that has seen him operated down the middle on several occasions.
Salah’s haul of four goals in Liverpool’s 5-0 victory over Watford over the weekend took his tally to 36 goals and 10 assists in 39 games across all competitions this term.
“He [Salah] played more on the wing in Rome for example where he had a very dominant striker in [Edin] Dzeko. Nobody could know [that he could play as a striker]. We learnt it step by step. Without consistency, we couldn’t know for certain but in the pre-season, we knew,” Klopp said.
“You need to learn as a team, ‘Where is he?’ because there isn’t always time for searching. I don’t know exactly how many goals he [Salah] has scored but obviously a few, so it’s normal that you talk about that. He’s not only a striker, and whatever only a striker is; only a finisher. It’s not like he is not involved in anything else. He’s a very interesting package.”
Klopp, however, said the 25-year-old will get no preferential treatments as he needs to continue to work hard as there is still ‘a lot to for him to come.’
“We will not treat him like, ‘You don’t have to train, Mo – just come on Saturday for the game and we’ll see you there at Anfield or whatever.’ He doesn’t want that. He’s exactly in the moment of his career but he knows there is a lot for him to come.”
Salah is part of the 17 foreign players invited by Egypt’s coach Hector Cuper for pre-World Cup friendlies against Portugal and Greece on 23 and 27 March.
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Mega :)
Blessed with such strength and depth now, hope we make the most of it. Heres to a healthy and successful 2015!
Have you been watching the provinces recently? Scrums in reverse all over the gaff.
Two world class players that I wish were kiwi. Hopefully they’ll bring back what Leinster have been missing.. Grunt and efficiency up front combined with some destructive ball carrying.
Great news coming into world cup year but the best thing is, they won’t just walk back into the team, they will have to fight for their place because the other lads have done so well in their absence. Happy days.
If fit both are automatic choices.
Nobody has come anywhere near performing even close to healys level. Scrum has been going backwards for ages.
The boys are back in town :-)
Hope Sean takes his time and comes back without injury concern. God have mercy on any team facing both him and Healy back on form! Exciting times ahead.
We still have time to sharpen up and blow Wasps and Castres away in January. Positive vibes chaps! Is MOC giving in on his stubborn ideology a little or is that just me? The last 3 games seem to be at least TRYING to sort out the problem areas? Is it just my wishful thinking?
Cian until we play with half backs that can move the ball we will not get any better.
No back tries created since away to traviso.
Reddan (Mc Grath 21), Madigan 10, Reid 12, Fitzy 13 please please please
Leinster have been getting very little forward ball for the their half backs to be fair.
Brilliant news, possible inclusion for the last two crucial pool games of the Champions Cup would be excellent and have them battle hardened for the 6 Nations :)
As Leinster was the only Irish team to win last weekend and showed a marked improvement in cohesiveness, when these two players become available it can only strengthen the squad. Running the ball requires winning the ball first and that is why the old saying ” forwards win matches the backs by how much”. Next Friday will show just how much Leinster’s forwards have improved as I am quite sure the breakdown will be contested with the usual Munster vigour that earned them a comprehensive win last time out.
Brian the breakdown was handed to Munster because someone though it was a good idea to put only one or two players into the ruck v Munster.
Hopefully Leo will have enough balls about him to speak up this time and tell Matt that unless your forwards meet Munster head on with at least if not more numbers at the ruck your going to get your ArSe handed to you