In Focus: Mo problems for Reds' rivals as Salah hits form

Mohamed Salah is renowned for being a lethal goalscorer but his creative capabilities are starting to shine through.

The Egyptian has registered four Premier League assists this season — the joint-most in England's top flight.

And despite being heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, the 31-year-old continues to be Liverpool's primary attacking threat.

As the Reds prepare to face LASK in the Europa League, we assess Salah's impressive start to the campaign.

Creative king

Setting up goals is nothing new for Salah.

The Reds' No11 notched 12 assists in the league last season, which was only bettered by Kevin De Bruyne (16).

But his creative input across Liverpool's opening five fixtures has nonetheless been eye-catching.

Salah is leading the way for big chances created in 2023-24 with six — two more than any other Premier League player.

Manager love

Jurgen Klopp gave an honest assessment of Salah's performance in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Wolves — but ultimately praised the forward's second-half impact.

Speaking after the match, he said: "He [Salah] is involved in everything.

"I thought first half he wasn't great, but second half with a different system, he is a key moment player and he is always there when we need him."

That was certainly true at Molineux, as the Reds' star man contributed two assists and played a key role in Hugo Bueno's late own goal.

Goals imminent

Salah still remains an incredibly lethal player in the final third, having scored in home wins against Bournemouth and Aston Villa this term.

That return is lower than the attacker's xG of 3.26.

But after racking up a commendable eight shots on target — and with Liverpool creating the fifth-most big chances in the division (11) — the 91-cap international will certainly be confident of adding more goals to his tally in the weeks ahead.

Big praise

Salah received plenty of plaudits for his game-changing performance against Wolves — not least for the Merseysiders' second goal when he brilliantly teed up Andy Robertson from an acute angle.

The Premier League's all-time record goalscorer Alan Shearer was one man to rave about the strike.

He said: "Look at this for a weight of pass [from Salah]."

"Robertson with the first pass, he follows that one. That is an incredible pass and a great finish there."

European journey

Liverpool are not competing in the Champions League for the first time since 2016-17.

But that disappointment will not diminish their desire to win the Europa League, having last lifted that trophy in 2001.

Salah must use his creative capabilities to ensure the Reds get through a group stage containing Union St Gilloise, Toulouse and LASK with minimal fuss — starting in Austria this evening.