"Upset your rhythm" - Pundit on why Mohamed Salah had a poor second-half of the season

Former Tottenham Hotspur player Alan Hutton thinks that the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah's future contributed to his dip in form last campaign.

The winger didn't have the best of new years after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations and one pundit thinks that his contract situation could've played a part in his poor run of form.

“I think it can," Hutton told Football Insider.

“I’ve seen a lot of people in the same situation and all they’re doing off the pitch is talking about it. Not necessarily to the press but family, friends, close players and it can upset you, upset your rhythm.

“We know he loves the club and he wants to feel that back. Maybe he had a figure in his mind and the club weren’t at that figure either so he was probably looking at it thinking ‘do they feel the same way I do?’

“Of course it can make you that little bit unhappy. But he’s professional, he went about his business, he still scored goals so he was doing his part but over the piece.

“I think he’ll just be happy now that it’s done and dusted. He can put it to the side. He’s got the contract that he wanted, everything’s worked out and I think we’ll see a Mo Salah ready to go at the start of the season which is a worry for all defenders out there.“

Anfield Watch Verdict

The contract talks definitely played a part in Salah's form in my opinion. No one will ever admit it did, but you can't give 100% to a team that you don't know if you'll be playing for in a couple of years.

The contrast between the first-half of the season and the second-half was crazy. In those first six months, he looked a completely different player.

Unfortunately, due to how he finished the campaign, he won't be in contention for the Ballon d'Or.

Hopefully now this is all behind us as Salah is tied down to a new three-year deal. The Egyptian can certainly get back to his best and help us win trophies again.