Salah in decline? Underlying numbers reveal risk of hasty decision on future

The debate surrounding Mohamed Salah has become heated and not just on the touchline. The spat between two club legends makes for an unseemly end to Jurgen Klopp’s reign and a potentially incendiary talking point that will divide supporters.

There are those saddened by Salah's reaction and those angered by it. Others will sympathise with the frustrations of a player who has done so much for Liverpool - and feels he is capable of more - being introduced so late in a game they needed to win.

What happens next is complicated by his contract situation and the backdrop of interest from Saudi Arabia that could prove irresistible to the player - or indeed the club. At 32, economic realities are a factor even before the arrival of Arne Slot is considered.

Michael Edwards, the returning chief executive of football, will need that cool head upon which his reputation has been built when navigating this decision. That does not necessarily mean cutting out the emotion, but it does demand an examination of the evidence.

Salah's form does seem to have slumped since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations and the injury that undermined Egypt's efforts in that tournament. The eye test cannot be ignored. Salah's displays have lacked the old zip and the finishing has been erratic.

Once a player enters the autumn of their career, it is inevitable that any dip is framed as final. But there is a need to temper the frustration at a missed title opportunity and consider Salah's record dispassionately - because the numbers this season still stack up.

He is a victim, perhaps, of sky-high expectations, and naturally finds himself compared to his past self rather than the other options in his position, both at Liverpool and elsewhere. But look at the