‘Salah Is One Of The Greatest Liverpool Players Ever’ Claims Barnes
Last Updated on December 11, 2023
Liverpool’s tightly contested 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, followed by Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa at Villa Park, has placed Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. This game also marked Mohamed Salah’s 200th goal for the Reds. We spoke with Barnes to discuss the significance of this result and its implications for Liverpool’s title aspirations.
In this article:
- Salah is one of the greatest Liverpool players ever
- Barnes urges caution despite Reds sitting top of the tree
- Trent at right back has negatively impacted Salah
- Jarell Quansah gets John Barnes’ backing
Salah Is One Of The Greatest Liverpool Players Ever
While the most critical aspect of Liverpool’s match against Crystal Palace was their 2-1 victory, Salah’s contribution extends beyond merely securing the win. Salah’s close-range goal against the Eagles signified his 200th goal for Liverpool, a monumental achievement for a player previously overlooked by Jose Mourinho and Chelsea in his earlier Premier League stint.
‘He’s an absolute hero and legend to Liverpool FC and has enjoyed a superb career at the club. He’s one of the best.”
“He’s one of the greatest players Liverpool have ever had.”
Barnes Urges Caution Despite Reds Sitting Top Of The Tree
With Liverpool now leading the league, there’s growing optimism among fans on the red side of the city that the Premier League title might make a return. Jürgen Klopp previously guided the Reds to their most recent Premier League title in the 2019-20 season. Securing the title this time would be a remarkable feat for the team, especially considering the challenges they faced last season. However, Barnes advises caution, noting that it’s too early to predict who will be at the top of the table come May.
“No matter what people say at the start of the season, who’s going to be in the title race, we’re nearly in December and as much as it looks that Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool are there, other teams are also there and thereabouts.”
“When it comes to February and March, I’ve always said, regardless of what’s happening up until Christmas, when February and March comes, you’ll see the title race really take shape.”
“Not as much in terms of numbers and positioning but in terms of who’s playing well, who’s fit, which team’s players are in form, whose players are out of form but they can still get results.”
“I’d be very surprised if, come February-March – the business end of the season – if these three teams aren’t the top three, as they are now, but more comfortably.”
Trent At Right Back Has Negatively Impacted Salah
Following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s impressive double that led Liverpool to a 4-3 victory against Fulham last week, there has been significant debate about his best playing position. Although Trent has recently expressed a preference for playing in midfield, Barnes has consistently advocated for him to remain at right-back. Barnes elaborates on his reasons for opposing the tactical reshuffle suggested by Klopp.
“It depends if we can get a right back at the moment we haven’t got a right back who can do what Trent does.”
“We do miss a lot of what Trent offers going forward when Trent goes into midfield.”
“For example we don’t see the best out of Mo Salah when Trent isn’t on the right as Trent would normally go outside of Mo or would draw defenders which frees up space for Mo as he draws the attention. It leaves more room for Mo to provide attacking impetus when Trent is at right back.”
“It depends on how the team wants to play but Mo is less supported when Trent comes into midfield.”
“Mo is helped more when Trent is on the right.”
“Mo is now having to be more creative due to not having a right back supporting him.”
Jarell Quansah Gets John Barnes’ Backing
The recent ACL injury to Joel Matip, sidelining him for several months, has raised questions about whether Liverpool needs to delve into the transfer market. An ACL injury at the age of 32 is a significant setback for Matip, as well as for Jurgen Klopp and the Liverpool team.
While Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are both experienced and capable defenders, they have their challenges. Gomez has struggled with injuries and inconsistencies in form. Similarly, Konate has faced his own injury problems. Jarell Quansah stepped in against Crystal Palace, and according to Barnes, Liverpool has sufficient cover and quality despite these challenges.
“We still have three centre backs so dipping into the January transfer market is not going to get Liverpool a world beater.”
“We also have the young Jarell Quansah who has played now and again and is a good centre back so I don’t think dipping into the January market is a good thing and we have enough cover.”
