Liverpool warned against Mohamed Salah replacement as Steven Gerrard speaks out | Football | Sport

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has cast doubt over Jarrod Bowen stepping into Mohamed Salah‘s shoes. The Reds are preparing for an emotional send-off for the Egyptian forward after a record-breaking nine years at Anfield. This week, Salah confirmed he will be departing Liverpool in the summer following a mutual agreement reached with the club’s hierarchy.

Arne Slot and the decision-makers on Merseyside face the considerable challenge of replacing the 33-year-old, who delivered one of the finest individual performances last season to drive Liverpool to Premier League title glory. The club have been linked with a number of targets, including Yan Diomande, Francisco Conceicao and Michael Olise, amongst others. Several names from within England’s top flight have also been mentioned, including Bowen, yet Gerrard has questioned whether he possesses the credentials to fill Salah’s boots.

He said: “I really like Bowen and think he is a top player but I am not sure he is Salah’s level to replace him.

“Liverpool will probably look for more one-vs-one merchants who can go on the outside. At times this season, certainly when they had that spell when they were quite inconsistent, they were too predictable on the sides.

“And the way this manager [Arne Slot] wants to play is work it side to side to set the one-vs-ones up. They have missed [Luis] Diaz a lot. I would say we need to address the sides of the pitch.”

Bowen is a pivotal figure for West Ham United and his performances for the Hammers have secured him a position in the England squad, with the possibility of featuring for the Three Lions in North America at this summer’s World Cup.

With four years still remaining on his current deal, he presently finds himself spearheading West Ham’s battle to stave off relegation.

Throughout his time in East London, he has accumulated 84 goals and 58 assists across all competitions. However, Jamie Carragher also cast doubt over whether Bowen could replicate the three-time PFA Player of the Year’s achievements at Anfield.

“No [I cannot see Bowen replacing Salah],” said the former Liverpool defender.

“He was maybe on Liverpool’s radar under Jurgen Klopp early on, but obviously Mo Salah was already there. But no, he’d be too old for Liverpool.”