Liverpool handed Mohamed Salah warning after Egyptian drops 'worrying performance' in Crystal Palace defeat

Former Arsenal star Merson says Salah could struggle to adapt to Liverpool's new-look team following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold.  The Egyptian was quiet during the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday but still has plenty of credit in the bank after registering 47 Premier League goal contributions last season as the Reds claimed the title.

Alexander-Arnold allowed his contract at Anfield to run down before joining Real Madrid, with Liverpool moving to secure the signing of Jeremie Frimpong as his replacement. However, Merson believes the differences between the two full-backs are vast and that Salah may not be as comfortable with Frimpong behind him as he was playing alongside Alexander-Arnold.

Merson told Sky Sports: "It was a bit of a worrying performance from Salah at Wembley. I don't think I've seen a player play that badly before in a football match.

"But that can be Salah. He can go missing for a few weeks before going on a run of scoring in ten matches on the trot or smashing in a hat-trick. One thing that might be difficult for him this season is playing in front of Jeremie Frimpong. Compared to Trent Alexander-Arnold, he's more like an attacking winger. 

"There's a major problem down that side of the pitch, even more so than last season."

Merson may believe Liverpool's right-hand side was a "major problem" for Liverpool last season, but that didn't stop Arne Slot's side from running away from the chasing pack to secure a 20th top-flight title. That being said, Frimpong is certainly a different profile of player to Alexander-Arnold and how the Reds adapt this season will be fascinating to see.

Salah will be keen to show his average showing at Wembley was a one-off when Liverpool kick off their Premier League title defence on Friday night against Bournemouth at Anfield.