Arne Slot picks out one specific area of Mohamed Salah's game for praise as he hails Liverpool star's performance in 4-1 win against Ipswich
Arne Slot picks out one specific area of Mohamed Salah's game for praise as he hails Liverpool star's performance in 4-1 win against Ipswich
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Arne Slot joked he was happy to speak about Mo Salah's defensive work rather than his contract negotiations after the Egyptian scored his 23rd goal of the season – and tackled back – to help Liverpool stay top by six points with a 4-1 win against Ipswich on Saturday.
![[Liverpool boss Arne Slot (left) was just relieved not to be asked about Salah's contract talks]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/25/18/94511761-0-image-a-14_1737829880319.jpg)
Salah converted Liverpool's second with a thumping finish into the roof of the net but also helped win the ball back in the build-up for Cody Gakpo's final goal of the afternoon. 'It's nice to be asked about it because mostly about Mo, the questions are about his contract or his goals, but now it's his defensive work-rate,' smiled Slot.
'I think that stood out today because we could all see the moment. If you look at almost all the times we have lost the ball, I saw a reaction off many players and that's what you need against a team with fast wingers, with a good No 9 that goes to a low block.
'It's so difficult to control a counter-attack and the only way to do it is what Mo did. That's why I was pleased with the performance today.'. Salah is out of contract at the end of the season and so far negotiations are in deadlock with the player repeatedly saying he thinks it is his last season at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah scored in the win over Ipswich but another area of his game impressed most. Slot also praised another out-of-contract star, captain Virgil van Dijk, on his 300th appearance for the club. 'If I have to make a list what Virgil brings, I will be here until Tuesday evening,' said Slot.
