'He's a bit like Harry Kane' - Mohamed Salah blasted for 'non-existent' display in Carabao Cup final as Liverpool star sees big-match record pulled apart

Despite having 32 goals to his name this season, Egyptian superstar Salah never looked like adding to that tally during a meeting with Newcastle at Wembley Stadium. He was kept remarkably quiet by the Magpies, with no telling contribution being made in the final third of the field.

It is not the first time that Salah has failed to live up to expectations in showpiece events that see silverware come up for grabs, with lines having previously been fluffed with club and country. His only goal in a major final – not including Community Shields and European Super Cups – came from the penalty spot against Tottenham in 2019 when claiming Champions League honours.

His forgetable performances are being likened to those put in by England captain Kane when he has seen an elusive trophy fall within reach, with ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara telling Grosvenor Sport: “I feel for Mohamed Salah, he’s a bit like Harry Kane.

“He’s a brilliant player - there’s no doubt – but if you want to be classed as the ‘hero’ player for Liverpool, like Steven Gerrard and Ian Rush, you have to perform in finals. While, yes, Liverpool do have the trophies, they’ve relied on the team performance rather than individuals.

“Him personally, in a final, hasn’t really performed to his usual standard we see often in the Premier League. He was non-existent in the EFL Cup final against Newcastle. In eight finals for Liverpool and Egypt, I think he’s only scored one and assisted one, and the goal was a penalty against Tottenham. He has to be more of a presence in big games.”

While Salah went missing in the Carabao Cup final, his efforts this season have allowed Liverpool to open up a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. It remains to be seen how long Salah will stick around once another domestic coronation is confirmed at Anfield, with his contract continuing to run down towards free agency.