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As Mohamed Salah was getting ready to exit Liverpool’s dressing room following their recent friendly victory against Sevilla, he learned that a group was waiting for him in the corridor.
A cluster of Sevilla players had gathered, hoping to secure a prized memento from their visit to Anfield — the Egyptian’s No. 11 shirt.
Instead of selecting one player and letting the others down, Salah opted to discreetly exit through the room where Arne Slot’s squad enjoys their post-match meal, evading the Spanish visitors just as effectively off the field as on.
This incident highlights Salah’s status as a global icon and the esteem in which he is held.
As last season drew to a close, there was considerable debate regarding whether he was losing his edge, particularly with his 32nd birthday approaching in June.
This speculation was fueled by a disappointing tally of just three goals in his last 11 appearances during Jurgen Klopp’s leadership, coinciding with Liverpool’s dwindling treble aspirations. A notable confrontation with Klopp on the touchline at West Ham United in late April added to the controversy, followed by his memorable remark to the press right after that match: “There’s going to be fire today if I speak.”
During that time, Salah appeared visibly frustrated. Known for his resilience and prolific scoring ability, he suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, which he aggravated upon returning to club action a month later, causing him to miss the Carabao Cup final victory at Wembley.
He struggled to regain his rhythm and confidence toward the end of the season and was not pleased with his reduced role on the bench.
The transformation from then to now is remarkable.
While many teammates participated in Euro 2024 or Copa America this summer, Salah enjoyed an extended break. The advantages of this break were apparent when he reported for his first day of pre-season training at Kirkby, where he excelled in fitness tests and has maintained that momentum ever since.
Salah has wholeheartedly embraced the onset of a new era at Liverpool. He not only leads by example in training each day but has also fostered a supportive atmosphere for the new head coach, Slot, with his vibrant personality. Staff have noted his cheerful attitude and commitment to mentoring the younger players in the squad.
This summer, Liverpool constructed a coffee bar just inside the players’ entrance at Kirkby to promote social interactions among the team. Salah has become a regular there, spending quality time with teammates such as Kostas Tsimikas, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Having shown remarkable fitness and sharpness during the warm-up friendlies, it was no surprise to see Salah play a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League season opener, which ended in a 2-0 away victory against promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Salah assisted Diogo Jota for the first goal and celebrated his 350th appearance for Liverpool by securing the match with a second goal. Moreover, he set a record with nine Premier League goals on the opening weekend of a season, surpassing legends Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, and Alan Shearer.
“Mo was fantastic,” remarked left-back Andy Robertson. “Each year, he returns in even better shape than the previous season. Having a longer summer was a significant advantage for him. He managed to have a full pre-season, and he looks exceptional.
“I thought he performed excellently against Ipswich, particularly in the second half when he truly propelled us to secure the three points.”
Salah is the only player in Liverpool’s history to score over 20 goals in seven consecutive seasons, yet the pressing question is whether his eighth season at Anfield will also mark the end of his time with the club. His current contract, worth £350,000 a week, concludes next summer, and there have been no signs of a new deal being presented to him.
It’s widely recognized that Liverpool’s owners are hesitant to offer lucrative contracts to players in their thirties. However, Salah is not your average 32-year-old. He’s a relentless athlete. After experiencing a slight dip in form during the spring, he is now performing at his peak once more. “I see how he maintains his body to be ready for every match, so I believe he has many more years left in his career,” Slot acknowledged at Portman Road.
Importantly, it’s not solely Liverpool’s choice regarding Salah’s future beyond this season. Notably, there has been no sign of frustration from the player’s side about entering the final year of his contract.
Salah may find it advantageous to wait until later in the season to assess his options, knowing that as a free agent in the summer of 2025, he could potentially secure vast sums of money. Interest from the Saudi Pro League continues to be substantial.
Salah’s contract expires next summer (Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images)
But will he genuinely be ready to walk away from elite football while he is still setting new records? Liverpool ought to do everything in their power to secure him for another two or three years.
Currently sitting fifth on the club’s all-time scoring chart with 212 goals, Salah is quickly closing in on some legendary figures. He is now just 16 goals shy of reaching Billy Liddell in fourth place and 29 behind Gordon Hodgson, who is in third.
“Mo performs exceptionally well. He embodies professionalism and is someone whom everyone admires,” Robertson remarked. “He spares no effort in his preparation, which is why he remains in such remarkable physical condition at his age. May this continue for a long time.”
“If he maintains the form he showed against Ipswich, it will be fantastic. He has had a strong start to the season. When our key player is in that kind of shape, it will undoubtedly benefit the entire team. Let’s hope this is just the first of many goals for us this season.”
Ipswich full-back Leif Davis, who faced a challenging second half against Salah, at least left with a keepsake—his No 11 shirt—serving as a reminder of a day when the Egyptian made it clear to the Premier League that he is back in peak form.
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(Top photo: Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images)
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Mohamed Salah: From Doubts to Dominance – A Look at His Resurgence at Liverpool
Early Career: A Journey of Trials
Mohamed Salah’s footballing journey began in Egypt, where he showed early promise as a talented winger. His initial steps were filled with challenges, as he faced skepticism regarding his ability to succeed at higher levels. After impressive performances in the local leagues, he made a significant move to FC Basel in Switzerland, where he began to make a name for himself in European football.
- Key Initial Struggles: Adjusting to European football and proving his worth.
- Breakthrough Season: At Basel, Salah’s speed and technique won him accolades, leading to a transfer to Chelsea in 2014.
Challenges at Chelsea
Despite his promising start, Salah’s stint at Chelsea did not go as planned. Limited playing time and fierce competition for positions stalled his development. He struggled to secure a regular place in the starting eleven, which led to loan spells at Fiorentina and later Roma.
Loan Success and Growth
During his time at Fiorentina and Roma, Salah rediscovered his form, showcasing his goal-scoring abilities and playmaking skills. He became an integral part of the Roma setup, which ultimately put him back on the radar of top clubs across Europe.
- Key Achievements at Roma:
- Scoring 29 goals in two seasons.
- Establishing himself as one of Serie A’s top wingers.
Arrival at Liverpool: A New Beginning
In the summer of 2017, Salah made a £36.9 million move to Liverpool FC, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Under the guidance of manager Jürgen Klopp, Salah quickly became a key player for the team.
Impressive Debut Season
Salah’s first season at Liverpool was nothing short of sensational. He broke records left and right, including the record for the most goals in a 38-game Premier League season.
| Season | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-2018 | 32 | 10 |
| 2018-2019 | 22 | 8 |
| 2019-2020 | 19 | 10 |
| 2020-2021 | 22 | 5 |
Consistency and Impact at Liverpool
Following his record-breaking debut season, Salah continued to perform at an elite level, contributing significantly to Liverpool’s success in both domestic and European competitions. He became a fan favorite, known for his incredible pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing.
Key Contributions to Team Success
In addition to his individual accolades, Salah played a vital role in Liverpool’s triumphs:
- Premier League Title 2019-2020: Salah’s goals were crucial in securing Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years.
- UEFA Champions League 2018-2019: Scored important goals, including a penalty in the final against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Evolution of His Playing Style
Over the years, Salah has evolved into a more complete player. Initially known primarily for his speed and dribbling, he has added tactical awareness and playmaking to his skill set.
Tactical Flexibility
Jürgen Klopp’s tactics have allowed Salah to thrive in various positions:
- Wing Play: Utilizing his speed to exploit defenses on the flanks.
- Central Forward: Transitioning into a goal-scoring forward, making him a dual threat.
Overcoming Setbacks
Like any athlete, Salah has faced setbacks, including injuries and periods of poor form. However, his resilience and determination have always seen him bounce back stronger.
Injury Challenges
Injuries are part and parcel of a footballer’s career. Salah’s ankle injury during the 2019-2020 season tested his resolve, but he returned to form quickly, further solidifying his reputation.
Personal Achievements and Recognition
Since joining Liverpool, Salah has accumulated numerous individual awards, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the world.
- PFA Player of the Year: Recognized for his outstanding performances.
- Golden Boot: Leading scorer in the Premier League multiple times.
Impact Beyond the Pitch
Salah’s influence extends beyond football. He is a role model for many aspiring athletes, particularly in Africa, showcasing the potential for success on the global stage.
Philanthropic Efforts
In addition to his footballing success, Salah is known for his charitable efforts, contributing to various causes in Egypt and beyond. He supports education and health initiatives, impacting countless lives.
Future Prospects at Liverpool
As of now, Salah continues to be a pivotal player for Liverpool FC. His contract status, performance, and commitment to the club suggest that he will remain a central figure for the foreseeable future.
- Contract Extension: Discussions surrounding extending his contract to ensure he stays at Anfield.
- Legacy Building: Aiming to cement his legacy as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats.
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