Liverpool put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals as they dispatched FC Porto 2-0 during the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday night.
Naby Keita’s strike took a big deflection to spark celebrations at Anfield as early as the fifth minute before Trent Alexander-Arnold set up Roberto Firmino to make it 2-0 to the hosts less than 20 minutes later.
Mohamed Salah was once again heavily involved and even though he failed to get on the scoresheet, his performance served up plenty to be discussed.
Here, we analyse his display.
STATS
Touches – 69
Passes – 36
Pass accuracy – 75%
Shots – 7
Shots on target – 1
Dribbles – 4
Key passes – 0
Dispossessed – 4
30-SECOND REPORT
Salah looked as lively as ever and eager to make an impact following on from his crucial goal away to Southampton in the Premier League. He was a constant threat down Liverpool’s right side and a key figure during various exhilarating bursts forward.
The Egyptian was so dedicated to the cause that on one occasion he showed incredible speed to rush from the opposition’s half to the left-back position, stopping a Porto counter-attack and eventually winning the free-kick. He had his fair share of efforts on goal – and then some – but didn’t work the keeper enough.
GOT RIGHT
Energy
Even though he didn’t directly contribute to goals on the night, his mere presence in attack made for a dynamic Liverpool front line. The kind of pace and directness with which he attacks the opposition can disrupt their shape and create space for other forward runners. He was relentless in his efforts down the right flank but regularly popped up in the middle as well, stretching the back three with his movement.
GOT WRONG
End product
It’s strange to pull up an accomplished pro like Salah for a shortcoming that’s associated with inexperienced youngsters but it’s not for the first time this season that he’s proved less than efficient. His worst moment was when he latched on to a horrendous back-pass but then, having gone clean through on goal, put his effort wide of the far post. There were other occasions as well when he would’ve been better served playing a pass or laying the ball off but his insistence on going for goal meant just one of his seven efforts worked the keeper.
VERDICT
There are promising signs. Despite his recent drought, he isn’t shy to pull the trigger and there’s no denying his obvious threat. Such is his energy and intensity in attack that even when he isn’t hitting the back of the net, he more than warrants his place in the XI.
RATING: 6/10
