‘Down 30%’: Andy Townsend gives verdict on 30-year-old Liverpool player

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Andy Townsend has said on talkSPORT (8:41am, February 23, 2023) that Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is not at the level he was before.

The former Chelsea star believes that Liverpool ace Salah is down by 30% this season.

However, the talkSPORT pundit believes that no one can maintain their level for a long period of time.

Rangers legend and fellow talkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist has added that both Salah and Virgil van Dijk are not at their best.

Andy Townsend on Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah

McCoist said: “I think Salah is absolutely top-class, but he is not as top-class as he has been.

“Virgil van Dijk has or was before the injury, in my opinion, the best centre-back in the world by a considerable distance. He is still very good, but he hasn’t recaptured that form.”

Townsend said: “You are right about Mo Salah. He is down 20, 30% from what he was, but could he possibly stay at the level that he was at game in game out, week in week out? No, he can’t.”

Getting back to his best

We believe that Liverpool fans should stay confident about Mohamed Salah getting back to his best.

Yes, the Egyptian star is not at his best at the moment, but we know how good the former Chelsea attacking player is.

The 30-year-old is a proven goalscorer who was key in Liverpool winning the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League under manager Jurgen Klopp in recent seasons.

Salah has scored eight goals and given five assists in 22 Premier League matches for Liverpool so far this season.

The forward has also scored eight goals and provided two assists in seven UEFA Champions League games for the Merseyside club so far this campaign.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea player Tony Cascarino has said that Liverpool should sell Virgil van Dijk.

The talkSPORT pundit was not impressed by the body language of the Netherlands international central defender during the defeat to Real Madrid at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

Cascarino wrote in The Times: “This body language reminds me of Van Dijk’s final season at Southampton, when he was pushing for a move to Anfield.

“Five years on, I think it could be time for Liverpool to consider selling him themselves. The Van Dijk that was among the best in the world has disappeared.”