Neville explains why Salah has struggled at times in second Liverpool season

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Former Everton midfielder Phil Neville feels that Mo Salah’s drop off in productivity this season can be attributed to the fact that he is getting more attention.

Speaking to the Premier League website, the England women’s manager has outlined why Sadio Mane has been able to step up of late, while Salah has toiled.

Neville said: “He’s been doubled up on. There have been times when there are three defenders around him. This is probably the reason why Mane has scored more goals this year, because it’s freed up other players in the team.

“Salah has that ability to drift in from that right-hand side. Defenders know he’s going to do it but they can’t do anything about it. His finishing is absolutely world-class and Liverpool are lucky to have him.”

Salah is on a run of five league games without a goal but is still very much in contention for the Golden Boot for the second year running, which is a hugely impressive return.

He has had more attention but still managed to score regularly – just not quite as regularly as last season’s stunning pace – this season.

And if it opens more gaps for the likes of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino then it helps the team anyway.