Mohamed Salah: A Luminous Season at Anfield
Mohamed Salah has had an outstanding season for Liverpool, scoring 25 goals in the Premier League and 30 in all competitions. His performance in Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City was particularly noteworthy, as he scored his 30th goal of the season, drawing level with Gordon Hodgson as the club’s third-highest scorer with 241 goals. Salah’s contributions extend beyond just goals; he has been directly involved in 51 goals this season, including 21 assists. These numbers underscore his significance to Liverpool and his status as one of the world’s best players.
Arne Slot’s Praise and Contract Hopes
Arne Slot, Liverpool’s head coach, has expressed his admiration for Salah and his desire to see him extend his contract at Anfield. Slot emphasized that Salah’s exceptional performances are crucial for the team’s success and that he hopes the forward continues to have more outstanding seasons. However, with Salah’s current deal set to expire in the summer, the club is in talks to secure his future. Slot acknowledged that Salah’s increasing value might lead to higher contract demands, but he stressed that this is a problem for the club’s management to handle. The coach is confident that Salah’s continued excellence will only benefit the team and the club’s ambitions.
The Importance of Salah’s Performance
Salah is already Liverpool’s best-paid player, and his consistently high performance justifies his status. Slot noted that the better Salah does, the more valuable he becomes, which could lead to higher contract demands. However, the coach emphasized that the club’s success depends on having players at the top of their game. He stated, “For everyone it is the best that he brings in the performances he does now, maybe only for the one who has to pay him it is not the best. For everyone else it is the best because if you want to play at this club you need to be at his level otherwise you are almost useless to play at this club.” This sentiment reflects the high standards set by Liverpool and the importance of Salah’s contributions to the team’s success.
Salah’s Professionalism and Work Ethic
Despite turning 33 in the summer, Slot has praised Salah’s professionalism and work ethic, describing him as a “top professional.” The coach highlighted Salah’s dedication to maintaining his physical condition, noting that he arrives early to train, works hard on his body, and even continues his fitness routines at home. Slot observed, “He has found the balance to get the best out of himself, that is what comes with experience and playing games at the highest level. He knows what to do to treat his body in the best possible way for him to get the performances in that he does.” This level of commitment is a testament to Salah’s dedication and his desire to continue performing at the highest level.
The Quest for the Ballon d’Or
While Salah has won numerous prestigious awards, including the African Footballer of the Year, PFA Player of the Year, and FWA Footballer of the Year twice each, he has yet to win the Ballon d’Or. Slot believes that Salah’s consistent performances and the team’s success can improve his chances of winning this coveted individual prize. He explained, “It is a good thing Mo is in the discussion because it means he is doing well and we are doing well but to stay in the discussion he should carry on the performances he has been doing for seven or eight months.” Slot also highlighted that individual honors often come with team success, adding, “If we as a team can win something he will have a far better chance to win an individual prize like the Ballon d’Or.”
Looking Ahead: Liverpool’s Premier League Lead
Liverpool, who currently host Newcastle on Wednesday, hold an 11-point lead in the Premier League. Slot emphasized the importance of maintaining this lead and the team’s collective effort. He praised Salah’s work rate and contribution to the team’s recent victory over Manchester City, stating, “His work-rate almost during the whole game was very good and very helpful to us for having the chance to win against City.” This victory not only solidified Liverpool’s position at the top of the league but also highlighted the pivotal role Salah plays in the team’s success. As the season progresses, the focus will be on maintaining this form and securing more trophies, which will only enhance Salah’s legacy and his chances of achieving individual accolades.
