Richard Keys has suggested that Liverpool switch up their squad numbers to make Mohamed Salah their new No. 7.
Keys took to Twitter to recommend that Salah should be rewarded for an unprecedentedly prolific debut season by taking James Milner’s squad number.
One thing Liverpool must do next season – give Salah that No.7 jersey. Sorry James – it’s for legends!
— Richard Keys (@richardajkeys) March 19, 2018
Since signing from Roma last summer, Salah has scored 36 goals in 40 games for Liverpool in all competitions and is well on his way to establishing himself as a world-class talent.
And while the Reds would likely be willing to make several compromises in order to keep hold of their freescoring Egyptian, there are a couple of flaws in Keys’ logic.
The first would be to assume that Salah wants to wear the No. 7 shirt because, in fact, he requested the No. 11 jersey when he arrived on Merseyside.
Having sported the No. 11 at Roma, Salah wanted to do the same for Liverpool and his request was granted as its previous owner, Roberto Firmino, was happy to switch from No. 11 to No 9. to accommodate the new arrival.
“I appreciate what Firmino did (changing squad numbers),” Salah told the Liverpool Echo last June.
“The club asked him and I have to thank him very much.”
Another fault with Keys’ tweet is his assertion that Salah has already obtained legendary status at Liverpool.
The 25-year-old has undeniably enjoyed an incredible first season under Jurgen Klopp but it will likely take some longevity and, preferably in the eyes of supporters, some trophies before he can be considered an Anfield legend.
Keys’ followers have been voicing their opinions on the beIN SPORTS’ anchor’s claim and it’s safe to say that few are in agreement with him.
It’s a number ?? why can he not just make number 11 a legend number ??♂️
— Ryan Davidson (@Ryandavidson94) March 19, 2018
He will make his own story making 11 a legandry Number
— Eslam Mazrou (@EslamMazrou) March 19, 2018
Excuse me if I ignore your football opinion cos, quite frankly, it’s shit.? pic.twitter.com/wmNiPK4rKi
— Ian (@ianlfc05) March 19, 2018
Labeling a player as a legend after less than one season shows how shortsighted a person is and we can extrapolate on his other judgments and predictions.
— AlSaEed (@DrAlsaeed_MRI) March 19, 2018
He chose the number 11 shirt specifically, Firmino wore it last season but changed to 9 this year so Salah could have it. And i love the bitter rivals. One minute he’s proved nothing, the next he’s off to Spain! Make your minds up ?? #StayingPut #LegendInTheMaking
— Mike Browne (@superthing) March 19, 2018
Spackman, Speedie, saunders, Clough, Robbie Keane … hardly legends
— Paul Taylor (@ptoafc83) March 19, 2018
A shirt number does not define a footballer I’m sure if he had the No 7 jersey that it would elevate him even more then he is now or potentially could be.
— Kieron Lea (@KieronLea) March 19, 2018
Loving Keysie’s tweet there. Here’s an early call – Sarah keeps the 11 because that’s the number he wanted & you don’t worry about who wears the 7 because it really doesn’t concern you?
— TopTopDoctor (@TopTopDoctor) March 19, 2018
He specifically asked for 11 when he joined. He took it off Firmino. If he wanted 7 i’m sure he would have asked Milner last summer
— Mikey O’Brien (@MikeyO_BrienLFC) March 19, 2018
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