Graeme Souness: Mohamed Salah doesn’t always turn up in big games but he’s still in my all-time Liverpool XI

Mohamed Salah would bypass a host of Liverpool legends and take his place in the Reds’ all-time greatest XI.

That's the view of Liverpool legend Graeme Souness who heaped praise on the forward, but not before holding him to account.

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The Egyptian opened his account for the season with a well-taken finish in Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Ipswich.

It was Salah’s ninth opening day goal, moving him top of the pile for the Premier League’s all-time best across the first round of fixtures.

And his display will have no doubt pleased new boss Arne Slot who became the first Liverpool manager to win his first match in sole charge since Souness in 1991.

Liverpool fans will hope any omens do not play out as Liverpool finished sixth that season under the legendary Scot.

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Salah’s goals will be key to Liverpool’s success this season as they embark on domestic and European commitments.

Souness claims that whilst the 32-year-old has been ‘class’ since arriving at Anfield in 2017, he hasn’t always delivered when Liverpool have needed him most.

“Is he going to go to war for you when the going gets tough and you have to turn up when it really matters? I think he can be accused of not doing that,” Souness told talkSPORT.

“But in saying that I was having a bit of banter with a friend of mine texting each other Liverpool’s greatest ever team.

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“I’d have to go three at the back to get him in but I have him in my greatest team.

“When you look at some of the players that have played for Liverpool, his stats would suggest that. He’s class, he has to be in my greatest team.”

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Salah is into the final year of his existing deal at Anfield with interest from Saudi Arabia continuing to linger.

His goal at Portman Road signalled his 212th for the club and as it stands, the Egypt captain has just eight months to add to his ever-growing tally.

Slot has quickly seen Salah’s worth to his side and despite entering the latter stages of his career, Salah has returned to the club refreshed and in fine shape according to teammate Andy Robertson.

“Every year he comes back in even better shape than he was the season before,” said the Liverpool and Scotland star. “He was one of the players who had a longer summer which was hugely beneficial to him. He managed to get a full pre-season under his belt and looks fit and sharp.

“He was excellent, especially in the second half when he carried us over the line,” he said of Salah’s display against Ipswich.

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“Mo looks after his body exceptionally well. He's a model professional and someone everyone looks up to. He leaves no stone unturned and that's why he's still in incredible shape.

“Long may that continue. If our main man is playing like that then it's going to help the team.”