‘Demoralising’: Paul Merson says two Liverpool players are a total nightmare for opponents

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Merson has waxed lyrical about Liverpool trio Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane ahead of Sunday’s big Premier League game.

The Sky Sports pundit focused on two players in particular – Salah and Mane – who drain opposition defenders with their sprinting runs.

The Reds forward were widely known as the best forward three in world football, but last season, they couldn’t hit their usual dizzying heights.

While Salah remained consistent, Firmino and Mane had downturns in form, and combined with Liverpool’s crisis in defence, the Reds struggled somewhat.

This season, the Anfield juggernaut is back to its best, and so is the famed attacking trident.

Salah, Firmino and Mane have registered a staggering 24 goals and five assists between them in all competitions this term.

On Sunday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils host Jurgen Klopp’s Reds at Old Trafford in one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in English football.

“Unplayable”

Merson, writing on Sky Sports, spoke about Liverpool’s attack and how they could well pick apart the Manchester United defence.

“Liverpool’s front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane are back to where they were, they are unplayable.

“They can blitz teams and score three or four goals in 20 minutes. It was a hallmark from their title-winning season, and they have got that back.

“Their movement, their pace, their skill – everything is top-drawer. They are back to being the best front three in the world of football again.

“It’s all been underpinned by a willingness to run on and off the ball. It doesn’t matter how good you are, you’ve got to work. You have to run teams into the ground.

“When Salah or Mane make a run they don’t jog, they sprint so the defender has to go with them.

“That drains defenders because no one ever wants to chase anybody back without the ball, it is the most demoralising feeling in the world.

“Then, all of a sudden, the defenders drop off and Liverpool’s attack is just ruthless.

“They press as a team and win the ball high up the field, in stark contrast to Manchester United, who do not press at all.”