Murphy: how Salah and Mane ‘cheat’ for Liverpool

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  • Danny Murphy claims Mohamed Salah  and Sadio Mane cheat for Liverpool
  • Former Reds midfielder praises duo for counterattacking expertise
  • The pair have been tipped to trouble Tottenham’s full-backs on Sunday
  • SEE MORE: Klopp offers terrific defence of under-fire Sadio Mane

Danny Murphy has branded Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane ‘cheats’ for their approach to catching opposition teams on the counterattack.

The pair are key in implementing Jurgen Klopp’s high intensity attacking football courtesy of their blistering pace on the break.

Both represent a vital component in Liverpool’s effort to spring a swift transition from defence to attack, boasting the ability to initiate attacks from deep and serve as an outlet in behind the opposing defence.

“What Salah and Mane do, and I’ve watched them several times this season, is they are partly brilliant when they attack because they cheat a bit,” Murphy told Sky Sports’ The Debate, cited by the Express.

“They don’t track full-back really that often and when Liverpool break out they break with pace. Those two particularly with their pace against Tottenham’s full-backs could be a problem.”

Image by Liverpoolfc.com

“If Pochettino plays four at the back at Anfield and goes for Liverpool they are going to be in trouble.”

“If he plays five at the back it’s different because you’ll have Mane and Salah running onto three and not running in behind full-backs.”

Salah has matched and perhaps exceeded Mane’s immediate impact following his arrival last season, with both proving to be revelation signings on Klopp’s part.

The Egyptian already has 26 goals to his name after 33 appearances across all competitions and has two games in which to score to become the fastest Liverpool player to reach 20 Premier League goals.

Meanwhile, Mane appears to have hit a lull having endured a string of frustrating performances either side of the club’s 4-3 win over Manchester City.

Tottenham risk playing into the hands of Liverpool’s wingers and offering Mane a route back to form if they choose to revert to their high defensive line in Sunday’s clash at Anfield.

 

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