Mohamed Salah received a brutal 4/10 rating from French newspaper L’Equipe following Liverpool’s Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
The Egyptian forward was singled out for criticism after the Reds were knocked out on penalties in the round of 16 second leg at Anfield.
L’Equipe, known for their harsh marking, highlighted Salah’s dismal display as Liverpool’s European campaign came to an end despite a strong performance.
The French outlet was particularly scathing in their assessment, claiming that Salah was “annihilated” by PSG defender Nuno Mendes on the right flank.
Mohamed Salah received a brutal 4/10 rating from French newspaper L’Equipe following Liverpool’s Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday
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“Overall Salah was annihilated, as in the first leg, by Nuno Mendes, losing a considerable number of duels against him,” the newspaper wrote.
They noted that the Liverpool star lost possession a staggering 31 times during the match, the highest of any player in his team.
The publication also criticised his inability to properly exploit counter-attacks initiated by his teammates.
L’Equipe further pointed out Salah’s continued failure to score against the French champions.
“Even if he converted his shot on goal, the Pharaoh’s record is therefore largely insufficient in his confrontations against PSG, the team he has faced the most in his Champions League career without ever finding the goal,” they stated.
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This goalless record against PSG has become a notable blemish on Salah’s otherwise impressive Champions League career.
Liverpool began strongly at Anfield, applying high pressure that kept PSG pinned back for the first 20 minutes.
Salah had his moments, including a fourth-minute strike which Mendes impressively intercepted after Dominik Szoboszlai’s delivery.
The match changed when Ousmane Dembele found the net in the 12th minute following a mix-up between Ibrahima Konate and Alisson.
Despite Liverpool’s solid second-half performance, the game went to penalties, which the French side ultimately won.
L’Equipe celebrated PSG’s comeback victory with a front page declaring “Super-Heroes”.
Salah wasn’t the only Liverpool player to receive harsh treatment from L’Equipe, with Diogo Jota also handed a 4/10 rating.
The Portuguese forward was criticised for “showing nervousness” and “clumsiness” while winning just two of his ten duels.
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Ryan Gravenberch completed the trio of Liverpool players given 4/10 despite playing the entire 120 minutes.
In contrast, Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai received the highest Liverpool ratings with 7/10 each.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left the pitch injured, was given 5/10.
PSG’s players received glowing ratings from the French publication in comparison.
Mohamed Salah failed to score as Liverpool exited the Champions League to PSG last night
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Mendes, who dominated Salah throughout the match, was awarded an 8/10 rating.
The Portuguese defender “locked the right flank down, winning the most tackles and duels throughout the entire 120-minute match.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma earned the highest rating of 9/10 and was named man of the match.
The Italian goalkeeper was praised for taking risks and imposing himself on crosses, with L’Equipe noting: “He was almost like an English goalkeeper.”