Mohammed Salisu Attributes Recent Slump in Form to Ramadan

• Mohammed Salisu has reasoned his recent decline in form could be a result of Ramadan, which ends soon
• Despite his recent dip in form, the 23-year-old still leads the charts for interceptions (74) in the English Premier League
• Salisu’s drop in form saw has seen him lose his starting role in Southampton's defence and was unused against Arsenal and Burnley before scoring an own goal against Brighton

Ghanaian centre-half Mohammed Salisu has attributed his recent dip in form to the annual fasting by Muslims, Ramadan.

The 23-year-old, one of the breakout players in the Premier League, has experienced a poor run of form which was highlighted by an own goal in Southampton's last league fixture.

Southampton boss Ralph Hassenhutl attributed Salisu's poor form to the transfer rumours linking him to other clubs in the Premier League.

But the player, who has reviewed his recent poor streak of games, remains positive despite his dip in form.

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''For me, in football mistakes come. When it comes, you have to stay positive and try to believe in yourself,'' Salisu told the Daily Echo as quoted by Football Ghana.

He added: ''Try to sit down and see what’s not right so you can make it better. I had a couple of bad games, I will say. But I’m still working hard to get back to my best."

Doing a retrospective analysis of his form, the ex-Real Valladolid defender reckons that Ramadan has also taken a toll on his form.

''I’m doing Ramadan and it’s not easy. It’s very hard at the same time playing games, I think it’s a little bit affected me. But I’m still working hard and I will get back strong," he ended.

Ex-Black Stars attacker begs Ghanaians to slow down with criticizing Salisu

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that ex-Black Stars attacker Charles Taylor has implored Ghanaians to tone down with criticisms of Southampton centre-half Mohammed Salisu.

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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 have been fuelled by his unusual mistakes leading to a goal which was magnified in the 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea.