Gary Neville unleashed scathing criticism on Mohamed Salah during a live broadcast, re-evaluating the Liverpool forward’s performance against Chelsea. Neville, a renowned pundit and former Manchester United defender, questioned Salah’s work ethic and defensive contributions.
Neville’s verbal onslaught stunned viewers, as he dissected Salah’s display, highlighting instances where the Egyptian struggled to track back and support his teammates. “He’s got to do better defensively,” Neville emphasized. “You can’t just switch off and expect others to cover.”
The criticism sparked debate among fans and pundits, with some defending Salah’s impressive goal-scoring record and others echoing Neville’s concerns. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has consistently praised Salah’s dedication and overall impact.
Re-analyzed footage revealed moments where Salah appeared disengaged or slow to react, allowing Chelsea’s attackers to exploit spaces. Neville seized on these instances, arguing that Salah must improve his defensive responsibilities.
However, Salah’s advocates point to his exceptional attacking prowess, citing 14 goals in 15 appearances this season. His partnership with Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones has revitalized Liverpool’s offense.
Neville’s comments also sparked a wider discussion on player accountability and the evolving role of wingers in modern football. Some argued that Salah’s primary focus should remain scoring goals, while others insisted that defensive contributions are essential.
Jamie Carragher, a Liverpool legend and fellow pundit, offered a nuanced perspective, suggesting Salah’s defensive lapses were occasional and not indicative of a broader issue. Carragher praised Salah’s growth under Slot and his continued importance to Liverpool’s title aspirations.
The backlash against Neville’s criticism was swift, with Liverpool fans and some pundits accusing him of bias and exaggeration. Neville responded, stating: “I’m not criticizing Salah’s ability, but his application. Every player must contribute defensively.”
The controversy has ignited a heated debate on player expectations and tactical responsibilities. As the season unfolds, Salah’s response to Neville’s criticism will be closely monitored.
