Pundit sends message to Chelsea fans about Liverpool signing
The Spurs legend believes Mohamed Salah's move to Chelsea came too soon for the Liverpool signing
Garth Crooks has claimed that Mohamed Salah’s Chelsea move came too soon for the impressive Liverpool signing.
Salah completed a £39m move to Liverpool from Serie A giants AS Roma last month to bolster the Merseyside outfit’s attacking options.
The Egypt international built an impressive reputation in Italy thanks to a return of 15 goals and 11 assists in his second full season at AS Roma.
Salah moved to the Premier League in 2014 from Swiss side Basel in a £15m deal but the attacking midfielder struggled to make an impression at Chelsea.
The 24-year-old lasted six months before he was sent out on loan to Fiorentina before heading to AS Roma in a temporary switch in 2015-16.
Liverpool’s new number 11 has wasted no time having a big impact at Anfield following a prolific start to his Reds career.
Salah has scored against Watford, Hoffenheim and Arsenal to help Liverpool make an unbeaten start to the 2017-18 season.
Former Spurs forward Crooks believes Salah completed a move to Chelsea too soon in his career.
“I saw this lad play for Chelsea and I got the distinct impression that he was certainly good enough, but I think the move came a tad too soon and he wasn’t given enough time to make an impact,” Crooks told BBC Sport.
“Coming to terms with a big stage is one thing but when that club is fighting on all fronts you have to hit the floor running. His time with Roma, however, gave him the chance to grow as a footballer in readiness for the challenges ahead.
“Liverpool has come at the right time for Salah. He is an exciting player with bundles of ability.
“He also quick with an eye for goal, a point that was rammed home when the Egypt international robbed Hector Bellerin of the ball on Sunday while still in his own half, ran half the length of the pitch and still no-one in the Arsenal team could catch him.
“Then, without even breaking stride, he coolly stroked the ball past a helpless Petr Cech.”
Liverpool were 4-0 winners against Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday afternoon after goals from Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Daniel Sturridge and Salah.
The Reds are in second place in the Premier League table and two points adrift of current leaders Manchester United.
