Salah 'diving' into Ronaldo's footsteps says former pro

Liverpool's Sadio Mane (C) with Mohamed Salah (L) and Adam Lallana

Tuesday Jan 22, 2019. 11:00

Former Chelsea forward Tony Cascarino believes an added 'ruthlessness' to Mohamed Salah's game could be the reason behind him 'diving' in the penalty area in search of penalty-kicks.

Salah, who has scored 16 goals in 23 matches in the English Premier League for Liverpool this season, has come under scrutiny in recent weeks from some quarters following a spate of penalties awarded in his favour.

Cascarino feels that the CAF Men's Player of the Year is following in the footsteps of former Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo.

"(Salah) blatantly dived in the penalty area. It seems as though there is an added ruthlessness in his game, which is why he is crossing into doing whatever it takes to win games," Cascarino said in The Times.

"Perhaps it stems from the pressure that Liverpool players potentially feel in terms of winning a trophy this season and if so, Salah certainly won’t be the first star name willing to cheat to gain an advantage.

"Cristiano Ronaldo's willingness to go to ground easily in the area only increased as his career progressed."

The Egypt international bagged a brace in the Reds 4-3 win over Crystal Palace this past weekend as they retained their lead atop the English Premier League standings.