Liverpool analysis – Fabinho sends timely message as Mohamed Salah delivers on vow to supporters

Blood Red: Jurgen Klopp calls Mohamed Salah a ‘very special player’ after Leeds United hat-trick

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Salah lives up to his word

In preparation for the start of the season, Liverpool players were asked who they’d recommend snapping up for the latest Fantasy Premier League.

When the turn of Mohamed Salah came, there was no hesitation.

“This season for Fantasy Premier League, sign me,” he said, followed by a trademark grin.

“Why? Because I get the most points every year, so it’s easy.”

And on the opening weekend of the new top-flight campaign, Salah took an emphatic step towards justifying that unshakeable self-belief.

Four minutes in, the Egyptian had won a penalty with a shot handled by Leeds United debutant Robin Koch. Salah slotted home the spot kick with aplomb.

Then on 33 minutes, after Liverpool had twice given away the lead, the forward restored the natural order with a thumping left-footed finish into the top corner after Leeds had failed to properly clear an Andy Robertson free-kick.

He wasn’t finished yet, holding his nerve from the spot two minutes from time to complete his hat-trick, the third of his Reds career.

Listen to our Post-Game podcast reacting to the win over Leeds by clicking HERE

The numbers remain astonishing. The Egyptian has 97 goals in 154 appearances for the club – another three and he’ll become the third-fastest Liverpool player to reach a century of goals.

To think there were those who had expressed concerns over Salah after an underwhelming clutch of performances during the short warm-up programme.

They should have known better. Salah always reserves his best for when it matters, this the fourth season in a row in which he scored on the opening weekend, equalling the Premier League record of Teddy Sheringham.

If Klopp does have worries, Salah isn’t one of them.

Fabinho sends Klopp message

Nobody could claim Fabinho was firing on all cylinders during pre-season.

After an iffy display in Austria against Red Bull Salzburg, the Brazilian found himself on the receiving end of a right earful from Jurgen Klopp during last week’s final warm-up win over Blackpool.

Nevertheless, eyebrows were still raised at the midfielder being dropped in place of returning skipper Jordan Henderson here.

It was, in retrospect, asking a lot of Henderson by placing him into the heart of such a frenetic, intense battle after more than two months on the sidelines.

But he wasn’t the only Liverpool midfielder to struggle, with Gini Wijnaldum at times overwhelmed and Naby Keita only intermittently sparkling.

When Fabinho was eventually introduced for the tiring Henderson shortly before the hour, Liverpool at least gained a semblance of control with greater defensive midfield cover, even if some collective dozing later gifted Leeds a third.

The Brazilian proved decisive, though, in a manner few could have anticipated, in the area to force the foul by Leeds substitute Rodrigo from which Salah netted the winner from the spot.

Fabinho always benefits from rhythm. And on this evidence, it would be a major surprise for him to be overlooked by Klopp again at Chelsea next weekend.

Reds introduced to the new normal

This was the kind of match that shaves years off the lives of managers.

But in terms of entertainment, it was a perfect return for the Premier League.

Except, of course, for one glaringly obvious omission – supporters. How evenings like this deserve the presence of those who add colour and atmosphere to the endeavours on the pitch.

Liverpool will be under the microscope like never before this season – that’s what happens when you’re champions – and if Leeds have demonstrated anything, it’s that Jurgen Klopp’s side might not always be shown complete respect.

Indeed, the visitors had a greater share of possession, a rarity at Anfield in recent times.

However, the statistics also paint a more accurate picture of the game, Liverpool raining in 22 shots to six from Leeds while always looking a threat whenever they went forward.

And the Reds clearly still possess the desire and determination to win, no matter how.

But they will now be judged against the remarkable standards they have set themselves during the past two years. Welcome to the new normal, Liverpool.

*Do you play Fantasy Premier League? Do you back yourself to use your chips in the right gameweeks, and nail your captain every single time? Now is your chance to prove it – and win some prizes in the process.