Liverpool news: Arne Slot makes ‘tough’ Mohamed Salah call as £86m replacement speaks out

Arne Slot has opened up about Mohamed Salah’s start to the season ahead of Saturday’s clash with Everton, and a star once tipped to replace the Egyptian has spoken out about transfer rumours

Arne Slot has hailed Mohamed Salah’s performance against Atletico Madrid after some “tough” matches to start the season. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, once tipped to replace the Egyptian at Liverpool, has also opened up about his future following a speculative summer.

Despite grabbing two goals in four Premier League games this season, doubts have been cast on the Reds’ star winger. Those two were a strike in added time against Bournemouth, with the game wrapped up, and a penalty against Burnley. A lacklustre outing against Newcastle earlier this month was poor compared to his lofty standards.

However, Salah impressed in the Champions League as Liverpool left it late to beat Atletico Madrid 3-2, and Slot has commended him for his efforts. Transfer target Rodrygo has also spoken out about being linked with a move to Merseyside, and the Reds have been warned by Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, as Mirror Football brings you all the news from Anfield.

Slot commends Salah after ‘tough’ appearance

Salah’s goal and assist made all the difference as Liverpool took all three points from their Wednesday evening clash with Atletico Madrid. A Virgil van Dijk header sealed another late win.

Head coach Slot was asked about the Egyptian in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside derby, and while he admitted that the start of this campaign has at times been difficult, Salah is still talismanic, and he proved that midweek.

READ MORE: Arne Slot cautious on Alexander Isak fitness as Liverpool prepare for Merseyside derbyREAD MORE: David Moyes gives brutally honest verdict on Liverpool’s £446m transfer spree

“For me, when you are a great player, you still contribute to the team even when you don’t play well. Not a lot of them can contribute to the team with goals and assists when they don’t play, that is what stands out for Mo,” said Slot.

“It is so difficult to always be the player he was against Atletico, but he still has goals and assists and that is why he is still so highly regarded and respected. A lot of players play well when the team is and not a lot can score or assist when they don’t. But I prefer to see him how he was against Atletico. Newcastle, hardly ever in play with the ball, so it was tough, but Atletico was a joy to watch.”

Transfer ‘target’ opens up about £86m rumours

Real Madrid’s Brazilian star Rodrygo was linked with a host of Premier League clubs over the summer, including the Reds. It had been suggested that the 24-year-old could be a long-term replacement for Salah on the right.

Rodrygo stayed put despite a £86million price tag being placed on his head, and he has now spoken out about his summer of speculation. He told Mundo Deportivo: “I’m used to it; every year they say I’m leaving. During the transfer window, every week I was on a different team.

“I even joked with my parents and friends: ‘Look, today I’m on this one, tomorrow I’m on that one.’ Every week I was on a different team, but, as I said, I was very calm mentally and it didn’t affect me at all.

“I continued enjoying my vacation, training because I knew this [Real Madrid] was where I would continue. Well, in the end, I’m still at home, in the place I always dreamed of being. I’ll continue giving my all every day I wear this shirt.”

Anthony Gordon sends Barcelona warning

Former Everton star Gordon has sent a warning to Liverpool and any other English side in the Champions League after his Newcastle were put to the sword by Barcelona on Thursday.

The Englishman bagged a 90th-minute consolation goal as the Catalan giants beat his team 2-1 at St. James’ Park, and he believes they’ll be a stern test for any side who runs into them further down the line.

“I think in ways the way they keep the ball was a learning experience. We don’t play against that kind of style in England, not at that level anyway. I thought they were the best I’ve played against in that sense of the game,” Gordon told BeIN Sports.

“We’ve played against some top teams, City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, but the way they pass the ball, the midfielders, the way they were fluid in their movement and combining, made it really hard for us to press, and it’s not easy coming here and doing that.”

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