Danny Murphy challenges Simon Jordan over controversial Mohamed Salah opinion, but some Liverpool fans agree
Danny Murphy has questioned Simon Jordan's view that Mohamed Salah is overrated and not a world-class footballer.
Jordan ruffled some feathers this week when he labeled Salah a jumper and claimed the Liverpool striker is not as good as people think he is.
Jordan told talkSPORT on Tuesday: “I know this will sound ridiculous to people and make me incredibly unpopular if I say it, he's obviously scored a lot of goals but when the going gets tough some people stand up and fight and some don't.” .
“I have the feeling that Salah could be one of those. “It's an opinion.”
Former Liverpool Midfielder Murphy joined White and Jordan on Wednesday and addressed the former. crystal Palace The owner's opinion about the Egyptian
“Simon is entitled to his opinion,” Murphy said. “Where I would disagree a little bit is when Simon talks about when things get tough.
“One thing about Mo Salah, yes he hasn't reached the heights this season of previous seasons, yes he still has 24 goals but he hasn't played as well.
“Things get tough is an interpretation of it not appearing in certain games. Over the years for Liverpool, he is the one who has turned up. In many important games, he has been the one who has gotten Liverpool out of trouble.
“It doesn't matter if things go Salah's way or not, he is always out there.
“That is not a player who hides from responsibility and does not appear. That to me says a lot about his mentality.”
“The best compliment I can give him is that I was asked to make an all-time Liverpool XI and he was in it.”
When asked if Salah would also be in Manchester City's eleven, Murphy said without hesitation: “Yes.”
His response prompted Jordan to double down on his claim as he claimed the former Reds star did not understand the reason for the comments about Salah.
“I don't think that's the point I was making,” Jordan added. “I think it resonates with a conversation I had with (Graeme) Souness in a particular game at (Manchester) United when (Lisandro) Martínez attacked him and Salah didn't want any more.
“My narrative comes from an overview of a player who is at the world-class level. It's ridiculous to argue that he's not a very good player; I have never said it.
“I think he has been very fortunate to be on a team created to provide him with results. He is a very good player, but I reject the idea of him being a world-class player. “It's my opinion and I'm allowed to have it.”
Liverpool fans flocked to the phone lines to give their opinion on the Egyptian, who surprisingly saw a Jordanian side to the debate.
Reds fan John said: “I'm with Simon on this. I think he's missing something, especially since Bobby Firmino left, who created a lot of opportunities for him. If you watch Liverpool from start to finish, there are times when you get frustrated when he chooses to shoot instead of the easier option of taking on Gakpo or someone else.
Match supporter Frank added: “I totally agree with Simon. I am a season ticket holder and I go to most away games and you can't beat Salah's numbers. He does the most difficult thing in the game: score goals.
“But his overall contribution… the ball is played to him and sometimes it's like a springboard, he gives it (the ball) away terribly.
“The game that stands out the most to me and that sums up the last 18 months is Everton at home this season.
“Sean Dyche set his team up to be difficult to bring down and every time the ball came to Salah, he gave it away and tried to break through the defenders.
“But if anyone remembers the result, it was 2-0 for Liverpool and Salah scored both goals: a penalty and a touch. If Salah doesn't score or assist, he doesn't do much else.”
Liverpool fan Mark admitted that while Salah's form has dipped recently, there is no way the club should cash in on him this summer despite only having one year left on his current contract.
He said: “There has definitely been a change in their performances since AFCON, without a doubt. I don't think you can ignore the impact it's had. It worries me that sometimes we judge him on the last two months, when he has been an absolute legend for the club over the last few years.
“Over time you will score more than you miss. “Don’t let him go, not now.”