Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike partnership haven’t clicked – Peter Crouch

Former Liverpool FC striker Peter Crouch has cast doubt over the effectiveness of the attacking combination between Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike, but insists the Reds still have enough quality to turn around their Champions League tie against Galatasaray.

Liverpool trail 1-0 from the first leg of their last-16 clash in Istanbul, where they struggled to impose themselves and failed to find a breakthrough.

Salah was withdrawn after an hour, while Ekitike missed a clear opportunity to level the score as the Turkish side secured a deserved advantage.

The pair’s lack of cohesion has become a growing concern, with both forwards again unable to make a decisive impact in Sunday’s Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur. Introduced in the second half at Anfield, they could not extend Liverpool’s lead before a late equaliser denied the hosts victory.

“It could have been worse in the first leg,” Crouch told Paddy Power. “They were poor again and I think they’ve been pretty poor all season. They’ve had a little spell where they’ve picked up a little bit.

“Salah has been really disappointing considering his performances last year. Ekitike is kind of a hit, but him and Salah haven’t connected in any type of way.”

Despite the criticism, Crouch believes Liverpool remain firmly in contention ahead of the return leg at Anfield, pointing to the club’s strong European pedigree on home soil.

“Galatasaray were good for their win, they deserved it, but I wouldn’t write Liverpool off in the second leg, certainly at Anfield they’ve done it before… I think they’ll be able to get that tie done in the second leg.”