Ashley Cole admits surprise at Salah’s transformation at Liverpool

Former Chelsea star Ashley Cole has admitted that he did not expect Mohamed Salah to hit the heights in the Premier League after watching the attacker in close quarters during their time playing together. The ex-England international played alongside the attacker at both Chelsea and AS Roma and he is currently in the ranks of Championship side Derby County.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Cole acknowledged that he did not expect Salah to turn into a ruthless performer since his return to the Premier League, he said: “To be honest, no. I saw in training the ability that he had but he seems to have become more ruthless. I don’t mean selfish in a bad way but he wants to score goals. That’s his job. He needs to score goals. Him, [Roberto] Firmino and [Sadio] Mane all play well together but I think he’s become a little bit more “it’s about me now, it’s my time. He’s had enough of the other players being in the shadow and he wants to be the main man.”

“Salah has been involved in an incredible 89 goals for the Reds since making the move from Roma in 2017“ and this has proved influential to the club’s progress in the league and Europe. The Egypt international has not been able to score goals with the same consistency as the previous campaign, but he has nonetheless provided with crucial performances “which have kept the“ club aloft in the Premier League title race.

Elsewhere, the Reds have once more become relevant in the Champions League and they are currently eyeing a second-straight final, should they get the better of Barcelona in the last four stage. Barcelona possess the superlative talents of Lionel Messi, who could dampen their prospects, but Jurgen Klopp’s side have shown time and time again this term that they can compete against the best across all departments.