Mohamed Salah’s performance and crowd reaction show he CAN be part of Liverpool’s post-Klopp future, writes JOE BERNSTEIN

The key moment of Liverpool’s thrilling 4-2 win against Tottenham came ten minutes before kick-off.

“And with number 11…Mo Salah,” the stadium announcer read as he went through Jurgen Klopp’s line-up.

Given the events of the previous weekend at West Ham, when the star player had confronted the manager, no one was sure of the crowd’s reaction given their undying love and appreciation for Klopp.

The response was a huge guttural roar from The Kop, which not only hailed Salah’s return to the starting XI but also expressed support for the idea that the Egyptian king should stick around after Klopp and ensure a smoother transition than at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson happened. .

The Fergie comparison is apt. His own farewell in 2013 was marked by a spectacular row with his superstar rival Wayne Rooney, which overshadowed the final trophy lift as the men barely acknowledged each other.

Salah’s warm reception came a week after he was involved in a row with Jurgen Klopp (right)

United supporters were torn between loyalty to their great manager and the belief that Rooney should be part of the future, despite submitting a transfer request to attract interest from Chelsea.

Ferguson’s belief was that Rooney had to go, that his best performances were behind him rather than in front. The club ultimately disagreed and gave the striker a new five-year contract instead of using the new blood that Fergie had left them, including Wilfried Zaha.

Although Rooney stayed at Old Trafford long enough to become the club’s record goalscorer, they never came close to winning the Premier League or Champions League with him as captain and talisman.

And therefore also for Salah. Are Liverpool trying to secure a transfer fee from Saudi Arabia, while 31-year-old Salah only has one year left on his contract? Or do they try to re-sign the winger in the belief that he can have a similar impact until 2028 as he did in 2016.

Whether Klopp’s advice would be sought is fascinating. United ignored Ferguson and probably paid the price for it.

Will Salah be willing to play 70% of future games under Arne Slot instead of the 100% he is used to? It is difficult for players with that status to adapt. Steven Gerrard left when Brendan Rodgers asked him to step back. Alan Shearer raged the first time he was benched by Sir Bobby Robson.

Sunday’s match against Spurs made it more likely that there would be a positive result. Klopp and Salah both had the maturity to ensure their split did not spoil the end of a glorious era at Anfield.

Klopp started Salah – which Fergie ultimately didn’t for Rooney – and Salah responded in exactly the right way with a man-of-the-match performance.

He headed the opening goal and had a big role in Andy Robertson’s second and Harvey Elliott’s fourth. Even when he missed a sitter at the end and another goal was disallowed, he tried to get into the right positions.

Sir Alex Ferguson (R) and Wayne Rooney (L) barely acknowledged each other during the iconic manager’s final trophy lift in the Premier League with Manchester United

Liverpool must decide whether to extend Salah’s contract into the post-Klopp era

Most importantly, Klopp was moved to praise Salah’s work rate, which was impressive considering there was no trophy at stake.

‘Everyone needs moments to gain confidence and work very hard in the other direction. Mo was exceptional in that regard today,” he said.

On TV, Roy Keane thinks Salah’s future is up for grabs and he isn’t necessarily a flop.

“Salah is an interesting one,” he mused. ‘Sometimes a player wants a new challenge, but the most important thing is of course that your top players sign up. You can’t let them out the door. There’s definitely a big summer coming up for Liverpool.’

Liverpool has started rebuilding under Klopp. Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson were all allowed to leave – but not Salah. He’s just been too important; three-time winner of the Golden Boot, Footballer of the Year, club icon.

A recent run of four games without a goal and injury at AFCON suggested to some that it is time for Liverpool to look forward rather than back.

Roy Keane believes Salah’s future is up for grabs and not necessarily lost

Some of Liverpool’s biggest stars, including Roberto Firmino, have been cleared to leave

Liverpool has started rebuilding under Klopp, but Salah was not allowed to leave the club

Liverpool are not encouraging Salah to be made available for the right price

But Salah is about to turn 32, not 38, and he has taken excellent care of himself, something even Rooney probably wouldn’t say about himself at the same stage of his career.

Salah’s attitude on the pitch, his willingness to support teammates, make moves off the ball and get into that position to hurt the opponent, that’s why his boots would be as big to fill as those of Klopp.

As a club, Liverpool have no encouragement whatsoever that he will be made available at the right price. Judging by the fans’ reaction to their hero against Spurs, they will be happy if Slot and the board decide to make him an important part of the club’s future.