Southampton travel to Anfield on Saturday night looking to complete a historic double against Liverpool, and Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl should unleash Mohammed Salisu in order to give his team the best chance of victory against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The Ghanaian produced arguably his best display in a Southampton shirt in their 1-1 draw with Leicester City last time out, as he came on as an early substitute for Nathan Tella following Jannik Vestergaard’s red card and was vital in Hasenhuttl’s side earning a point, making a whopping 11 clearances.
Although the Denmark international has subsequently had his red card overturned, meaning he will be available for the game at Anfield tonight, Salisu’s performance still warrants him a start against the Reds, even if he is deployed at left-back.
Following the game against Leicester, Hampshire Live journalist Tom Leach was full of praise for the 2020 signing, saying: “He was heroic tonight. He steps up explosively, getting out and to the ball with unrivaled enthusiasm. He is a monster in one-on-one situations and is, in all honesty, one of the fastest defenders ever to wear Southampton colours.”
Ryan Bertrand’s absence through injury means that the 22-year-old is a likely candidate to start at left-back and he could prove to be a key factor in the result, as he will most likely be up against Liverpool’s danger man Mohamed Salah.
[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-southampton-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more” title=” Latest Southampton news, transfer rumours and more!”]
The Egyptian has been one consistent performer in a disappointing campaign for the Merseyside club, which sees them battling for a top four spot after winning the title so comfortably last season.
Salah has 20 Premier League goals this season and will be a huge threat down the right-hand side with his pace and dribbling, so it would make more sense to go with Salisu there than Jack Stephens, who started in that unfamiliar position against Leicester.
The Englishman is not blessed with pace and is naturally right-footed, so he would likely struggle up against against Salah if Hasenhuttl keeps his faith in him at left-back at Anfield.
Therefore, after his superb performance last time out, Hasenhuttl should definitely start Salisu on Saturday night. If he can keep Salah quiet, then the Saints have a decent chance of earning three points which would secure their Premier League status for next season.
In other news… Southampton suffer huge transfer setback to “exciting” £9m-rated gem, Hasenhuttl must be fuming