Frank Leboeuf has lauded Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai after Liverpool drew with Manchester City, insisting that they were exceptional in helping limit Jeremy Doku’s impact on the game.
Leboeuf was speaking to ESPN after the Reds earned a point from their trip to the Etihad Stadium, with Trent Alexander-Arnold scoring a brilliant second-half equaliser.
It appeared it was going to be a tough occasion for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Certainly, Jeremy Doku was threatening to cause real problems for the visitors. Doku has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players in the Premier League.
Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai praised after Liverpool draw
Of course, Alexander-Arnold has come in for a lot of criticism for his defending ability over the years. But Doku was unable to score or provide an assist on Saturday.
And Frank Leboeuf suggested that that was down the effort put in by the likes of Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai.
“I found it very interesting how the two teams dealt defensively, especially Liverpool. We knew that with Doku and Trent Alexander-Arnold, they would have to resolve a big issue because Trent doesn’t really know how to defend,” he told ESPN.
“And the involvement of all players, Salah, Szoboszlai to help Trent Alexander-Arnold out against Doku was absolutely exceptional, especially in the first-half, where they forced Doku to go and he only succeeded once to be able to cross.”
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Statement from the Reds
Neither Szoboszlai or Alexander-Arnold covered themselves in glory for the goal. They both seemed to let Nathan Ake go past way too easily. And Erling Haaland took full advantage.
But Alexander-Arnold atoned for that with an outstanding finish in the second-half. And Szoboszlai could have easily had an assist of his own, but Darwin Nunez passed up the chance to have a strike at Ederson.
City did well themselves to keep Salah largely quiet. The Egyptian has been back to something like his very best this season. But he had little impact on the contest going forward – although it was his pass to Alexander-Arnold for the equaliser.
It could be a big point for Liverpool. It does not seem that Jurgen Klopp’s side are the finished article just yet. And yet, they find themselves right in the title hunt in the Premier League.
Avoiding defeat at Manchester City is a real statement given the quality the champions have.