Liverpool just saw likely Mohamed Salah transfer heir as angry Jürgen Klopp shouts show why
We are accustomed to seeing dramatic recoveries from Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp, but against Wolves, the Reds can perhaps consider themselves fortunate to have had the chance to win.
Cody Gakpo and Andy Robertson scored to put the visitors ahead at Molineux following Hwang Hee-chan’s first-half opener, with Harvey Elliott’s late deflected goal sealing the three points.
In reality, Wolves should have been further ahead than the single goal they were able to score, and Pedro Neto may have more reason to be angry than anyone wearing gold and black.
Throughout the first half, the Portuguese gave Liverpool’s defense a torrid time, particularly Joe Gomez, who replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right.
And had it not been for his teammates’ profligacy in front of goal — Matheus Cunha was perhaps the worst perpetrator — he likely would have been ahead of Mohamed Salah in assists so far this season, and his team would have likely ended Liverpool’s unbeaten streak.
Neto and Salah are currently tied for the lead in assists with four apiece. This statistic should capture Liverpool’s attention.
Injuries have plagued Neto over the past couple of seasons, but against Liverpool, he demonstrated the impact he can have when on the field.
Neto was the primary reason why Jürgen Klopp was shouting and gesturing feverishly at his defense, especially in the opening half. The Portuguese forward was causing all sorts of problems and was frequently given free passage.
On multiple occasions, Neto caused Klopp to appear enraged at some of his players, with Diogo Jota also receiving a reprimand at one stage for not tracking back properly.
Four assists should not be scoffed at, particularly considering the Wolves’ poor goal-scoring performance. Last season, they scored 31 goals in 38 games, and while they are averaging at least one goal per game this season, their profligacy against the Reds was evident to all.
One might assume he wouldn’t have this issue if he were playing for, say, Liverpool. And with Salah assuming a similarly creative role thus far this season, Klopp may have gotten a good glimpse at an Egyptian successor.
Neto has previously been linked with a move to Anfield. According to the ECHO, the Reds were rumored to be interested in the player in 2021, but an injury effectively eliminated the possibility of a transfer.
The victory at Molineux on Saturday served as a reminder of what he could still offer Liverpool. His blazing runs on the break were reminiscent of Mohamed Salah, especially during his early years at Anfield, and while he was playing on the left on this occasion, he is equally proficient on the right.
Being left-footed only draws more comparisons to Salah, and at 23, he’s yet to reach his prime years for a forward. His recent injury history is undoubtedly cause for concern, but if he can remain healthy for the majority of this season and continue to produce for Wolves, he should be considered as Salah’s eventual replacement.
Liverpool just saw likely Mohamed Salah transfer heir as angry Jürgen Klopp shouts show why