Liverpool news: Mohamed Salah is a poor man’s Philippe Coutinho – Ray Wilkins

Sarah, 25, signed for Liverpool in a deal worth around £35million from Roma this summer. 

The Egypt international has hit the ground running by scoring three goals and providing two assists in his opening five games.  

He has been particularly impressive in the Premier League with his pace and trickery proving to be no match for most recent opponents Arsenal as he helped Liverpool thrash their rivals 4-0 at Anfield. 

But despite his convincing start to the season, Wilkins reckons he is not on the same level as Philippe Coutinho. 

He also outlined that Liverpool are less of a threat compared to last season due to Coutinho’s absence. 

“I think Liverpool are less than they were last year, purely and simply because Coutinho isn’t playing,” Wilkins told talkSPORT. 

“Salah is a very good player, but he’s a poor man’s Coutinho. Coutinho is on a different level.”

Jurgen Klopp has been without Coutinho so far this season due to an ongoing back injury. 

The Brazil international has also been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona as they look to find a replacement for Neymar, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record £200m deal. 

Liverpool have already rejected three bids from the La Liga giants for Coutinho and have reiterated that he is not for sale. 

But the former Inter Milan winger appears determined to force through his dream move to the Nou Camp. 

Barca are said to be preparing a fourth and final offer of around £138million for Coutinho. 

However, Wilkins the attention should be on Sadio Mane as he is Liverpool’s most prized asset and is the key to Klopp’s plans. 

“Mane is the man,” he added.

“A lot of money has been spoken about, [stories] that Barcelona are going to pay whatever for Coutinho, but Mane is the guy. He’s the one who rips teams to pieces.”