Liverpool fans had a chance to witness £36.9 million record signing Mohamed Salah, in action for the first time in Friday’s 1-1 friendly draw against Wigan Athletic.
The Egypt international who joined the Red’s from AS Roma was forced to sit out in Wednesday night’s pre-season friendly against Tranmere Rovers, to finalize paperwork on his permit.
Salah almost made a perfect start, breaking clear after 40 seconds but Wigan left back Reece James, pressured him to drill his shot into the side net.
With the Reds falling behind to Alex Gilbey’s effort after 21 minutes, Salah came to the rescue on the stroke of half-time with a goal as he tapped home Firmino’s pass and equalized for the visitors.
Salah wasted no time making his presence felt, marking his first appearance with pace, and pressing play which showed a glimpse of why Liverpool broke the bank to sign him.
But Jurgen Klopp is not quick to heap all confidence in him with the gaffer concluding that Salah still has to learn how to defend like them.
“You saw he had no idea how we defend usually, so he was really not involved in this. He had two days with us, then he had to go to Paris, get the papers, but now he’s here and we thought, let’s play him,” Klopp said.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”He’s really used to a completely different way of defending, but the first situation, nice sprint. And the goal was maybe the easiest situation in the game, but they played a few wonderful pieces of football.[/perfectpullquote]
“Roberto, Phil, Adam, Gini in the No.6 position was good. So it was OK, just not where they can be. It’s just a sign, but that’s important,” he added.
Liverpool is now reportedly planning to submit an £8 million bid for Hull City left-back, Andy Robertson who has twice impressed in the Premier League.
Featured Photo: Liverpool Echo Images
