Retired Ghana International Charles Taylor Jumps to Mohammed Salisu's Defence, Says Even Maguire Is Playing

• Charles Taylor has called Ghanaians to slow down with their constant barrage of criticism of Southampton centre-half Mohammed Salisu
• Salisu's constant criticism by some Ghanaians is believed to have been a contributing factor to his recent poor form
• The 23-year-old defender recently scored an own goal to underline his poor run of form as the season draws to a close

Ex-Black Stars attacker Charles Taylor has implored Ghanaians to tone down with criticisms of Southampton centre-half Mohammed Salisu.

Salisu's backlash has primarily stemmed from multiple reports suggesting the 22-year-old declined call-ups to the national teams, with many deeming his reluctance to play for Ghana as disrespect.

Hence the birth of the growing criticisms which has been fuelled by his unusual mistakes leading to goal which was magnified in the 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea.

But Taylor, who played for Ghana's two most glamorous clubs Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, has leapt to the defence of Salisu stressing he is not the only player currently experiencing a dip in form.

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He reasoned that the mountain-like criticisms by some section of Ghanaian football fans have placed undue pressure on Salisu which has led to his recent dip in form.

"He [Salisu] is a good player even Maguire is playing. He is a good player but there is a certain pressure on him that is caused by Ghanaians. Now, whenever he is playing it shows clearly that he is not himself anymore."

Taylor further added that despite Harry Maguire's poor form he plays virtually every game for Manchester United thus pleading with Ghanaians to rally behind the young defender.

"Now, he has been benched because the confidence he started [the season] with is no more. Even Maguire's is not better. So Ghanaians I plead that we all support him.

Southampton boss says transfer rumours affecting form of Salisu

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has ascribed Mohammed Salisu's recent poor form to the transfer reports linking the centre-half to other clubs.

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Salisu, who was described as 'phenomenal' by ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, has experienced a dip in form in recent times.

The 23-year-old guardsman has been surprisingly involved in individual errors leading to goals after his sublime display against Manchester City.