Monday 4 March 2019 12:20, UK
Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah has lost confidence in front of goal and his lack of form is having an impact on the club's title chances, says former player Phil Babb.
Liverpool suffered a further setback in the Premier League title race after Sunday's 0-0 draw with Everton, and former Reds defender Babb says top-scorer Salah may need a rest.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Babb said: "The fact your talisman is not performing well can have an effect on the rest of the squad.
"He's had chances but doesn't seem to have the confidence in front of goal at the moment."
The former Republic of Ireland player believes this season's change of position has affected Salah, who has failed to score for the sixth time in seven games.
He said: "He's been playing through the middle and he doesn't really know that role too well.
"He's been quite easy to mark by some of the average centre-halves in the Premier League."
Manchester City, who beat Bournemouth 1-0 on Saturday, have gone a point above Liverpool in the Premier League table with both having played the same number of games.
Babb claims Liverpool's lack of attacking depth is the reason they have scored 12 goals less than last season's champions.
He added: "The front three last year were unplayable at times, one of the most feared attacking trios in world football. They don't have the strength in depth City have off the bench.
"Although you have [Divock] Origi, [Adam] Lallana, [Daniel] Sturridge and [Xherdan] Shaqiri, they're not Gabriel Jesus."
It's a little blip but they're not losing, they're still in touch it's only a point. Don't worry, don't panic.
Despite Liverpool's drop in form, following their third consecutive draw away from home, Babb has called for calm and told fans not to panic.
He said: "It's a little blip but they're not losing, they're still in touch - it's only a point. Don't worry, don't panic.
"Being on their coattails at this stage of the season might ease that pressure a little bit, rather than being the top dogs and thinking this great team, Manchester City, are right behind them.
"The Manchester derby has to come, Liverpool have some tough games with Spurs and Chelsea to come, but if they navigate them, they've got the easier run in.
"Both teams will slip up at one stage."
