Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has claimed Mohamed Salah would struggle in his team
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has labelled Liverpool star Mohamed Salah as "world-class" but admitted the Egyptian would struggle in his side. The 32-year-old tops the Premier League charts for goals and assists after helping the Reds move six points clear at the top of the table.
The Liverpool forward was twice on target in the meeting between the two clubs towards the end of December after Arne Slot's side ran out 6-3 winners in North London. Spurs are searching for a trophy to end their silverware drought and host the Reds in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, before the two lock horns in February for a place in the final at Wembley.
Postecoglou's side are winless since their League Cup quarter-final triumph over Manchester United, suffering disappointment against the Reds, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.
Salah has managed a goal or assist in every Premier League game he has played since their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in October. Despite the Egyptian's recent exploits in front of goal, Postecoglou believes even the Reds record-breaker would struggle.
"Mo is a world-class player, but if you put him in our team now I'm not sure he'll have that same level of performance because of the situation we're in as a group," he said.
"His attacking play, who do you need? You need a team that's kind of in good form, creating opportunities, playing on the front foot, having a really solid foundation of a defence that is cohesive. None of these things exist at the moment."
In the other semi-final, Arsenal suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United, with Liverpool's defence of the competition on the line, they will be hoping to take an advantage into next month's second-leg.