Mohamed Salah forces Richard Hughes transfer decision in Galatasaray loss
Liverpool disappointed once again on Tuesday night, when they lost 1-0 to Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Arne Slot’s side looked hopeless in Istanbul, committing several defensive errors and failing to produce a meaningful chance all evening.
The Reds had an equaliser somewhat controversially disallowed after the ball hit Ibrahima Konate’s arm before being bundled over the line, but Slot’s side were also lucky to see a second Galatasaray goal ruled offside.
One of the main talking points of Tuesday's disappointing loss was the performance of Mohamed Salah, whose display highlighted exactly why Liverpool are desperate to add a winger this summer.
Liverpool need another winger to compete
Much of the talk around Anfield over recent weeks has been about the team’s wingers, with Salah and Cody Gakpo both facing heavy criticism this season.
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Slot has defended his forwards, saying that the role of a winger is harder than ever in modern football and hinting that Liverpool’s issues out wide are systemic and not purely down to the individuals, but Salah’s display on Tuesday showed why the Reds need another wide forward.
Bar Gakpo and Salah, there are very few options available to Slot out wide. Federico Chiesa is the only other senior winger, but the Italian has struggled to impact games since arriving in Merseyside.
Rio Ngumoha is the other natural option available to the Dutchman, but at just 17 it doesn’t feel wise to pile pressure onto the youngster to be Liverpool’s saviour.
Salah is not the answer
Salah was Liverpool’s lowest rated player on Whoscored on Tuesday, earning a 6.08 rating.
The Egyptian failed to have a shot, didn’t complete a single dribble and lost possession three times before ultimately being hooked before the 60th minute.
Poor form should not mean that there is no longer a place for Salah at Liverpool, but the Reds are desperately crying out for a player who can compete on the right-wing and force Salah to be better.
Jeremie Frimpong has looked like the closest thing to that, but the Dutchman is Liverpool’s only fit natural right-back and Slot would be leaving himself short at the back by using him solely as a winger for the remainder of the campaign.
Several wingers have been linked with Merseyside moves in recent weeks, and speculation will continue to mount following Liverpool’s defeat on Tuesday night, but one thing is clear. Liverpool need to add another winger sooner rather than later.
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