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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Kyle Newbould

‘It’s not as simple’ - Liverpool legend John Barnes explains Mohamed Salah slow start

John Barnes has explained how a change in system at Liverpool could be the factor in Mohamed Salah’s lack of goals.

The Egyptian winger had endured a slow start to the new season by his standards, scoring two goals in six league games. Despite creating plenty of chances for team-mates, the 30-year-old has come under scrutiny in some quarters just months after signing a new three-year deal worth a reported £350,000-per-week.

Salah’s slow start is a far-cry from his opening month last season, with the winger bagging nine goals from his 10 games before the first international break. And while a host of possible explanations have been touted, ex-Liverpool midfielder Barnes thinks a change in system following the arrival of Darwin Nunez has affected the Reds star.

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“He hasn’t scored as many goals as he’d like but he’s also getting used to a new system," Barnes told BonusCodeBets . "The way that Nunez plays is different to the way Firmino and Mane play. Players have to get used to that system.

"So, it’s not as simple as, if you look at Erling Haaland, for example, coming in and being the focal point to score all the goals. Liverpool, as much as Salah scores a lot of goals, a lot of it has to do with the way the front three play.

“And of course, the front three with Nunez is going to play slightly different so that’s going to take some getting used to, as it did for (playing with) Mane and (for playing with) Luis Diaz.

“So yeah, he hasn’t started as well as he would have liked but I’m sure he will come good. Of course I see him improving. Salah is a fantastic player.”

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