Mohamed Salah: A Season of Brilliance
Mohamed Salah is currently experiencing one of the most remarkable seasons of his career, and his impact on Liverpool has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 32-year-old Egyptian forward has been the linchpin of Jurgen Klopp’s side, helping them secure an impressive 11-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table. As Liverpool prepare for their crucial fixture against Newcastle on Wednesday, Salah’s form and leadership have been central to their success. In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Salah shared some valuable insights into the advice that has shaped his career, particularly a conversation with former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger that has been pivotal to his development.
The Advice from Arsene Wenger
Salah’s journey to becoming one of the world’s best players has been marked by moments of growth and self-reflection. One such moment came when he sought advice from Arsene Wenger, the legendary former Arsenal manager. When asked by TNT Sports expert Steve McManaman about the difference between good and great players, Salah revealed a profound piece of advice he received from Wenger. "I think so," Salah agreed. "I think I got that advice from Arsene Wenger in the past. I asked him the same question because he had great players in his career." Wenger’s insight was simple yet profound: "The great players, it does not matter how they perform in the game. They always stay focused and wait for the moment. They are always in the game." This advice has been a cornerstone of Salah’s approach, helping him stay calm and focused even when the game isn’t going his way. "Players’ emotions go up and down, [but] I don’t want my emotions to be like this. I just try to be stable and understand that not every game you’re going to have your best game. If you stay focused, maybe you will have one chance," Salah explained.
Staying Focused and Making the Most of Opportunities
Salah’s ability to stay focused and make the most of his opportunities has been a defining feature of his career. Despite the pressure and high expectations, he remains composed and ready to capitalize on any chance that comes his way. This mindset has been crucial in his consistent performance and his ability to deliver match-winning moments. When asked about his approach to trash-talking from opposing defenders, Salah’s response was both humble and confident. "If some of them try to trash talk, I don’t like to engage. I tell them: ‘I don’t need much, I just need one chance, just one chance, and you will pay for it’," he said. This level of focus and confidence has been a hallmark of his play, and it has contributed significantly to his 30 goals and 21 assists across all competitions this season.
A Team Player at Heart
While Salah’s individual statistics are impressive, he is quick to emphasize the importance of his contributions to the team. "I think it is my best season," he said. "I think this is my best season because I make the players around me better as well, that is what I feel." Salah’s understanding of his teammates’ games has been a key factor in his success. "I know their games. If you look at all the numbers around all the players, it is going to be higher than the other seasons. Plus my assists are higher, so that means I really help them a lot," he added. Salah’s ability to elevate those around him has been a significant factor in Liverpool’s success, and he takes pride in seeing the growth and improvement of players like Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz. "Cody, Lucho, other players, their season is the best [in their careers] – so, I think this is my best season because I make the players around me also better," he concluded.
Focusing on Team Success Over Individual Honors
Despite his outstanding form and the attention he has received, Salah remains grounded and focused on team success. When asked about his prospects for winning the Ballon d’Or, one of the most prestigious individual honors in football, Salah was pragmatic. "Let’s win the Premier League and the Champions League, and we will see," he said. "The Ballon d’Or, everybody knows sometimes there is [other] stuff involved there. I just want to win the [Premier League and Champions League]. Hopefully." Salah’s priorities are clear: team success comes first, and individual accolades will follow as a result. This mindset has been a driving force behind his continued excellence and Liverpool’s strong position in the league.
A Current of Success and Ambition
As Liverpool fans and football enthusiasts across the world watch the team’s campaign, Salah’s contributions and leadership continue to be a source of inspiration. His ability to stay focused, make the most of his opportunities, and lift those around him has set the tone for Liverpool’s success. With a crucial match against Newcastle on the horizon, Salah’s resolve and determination will be crucial. Whether it’s through a goal, an assist, or a moment of leadership, Salah is poised to play a pivotal role in what could be a historic season for Liverpool. As fans tune in to watch the action on TNT Sports and discovery+, they will be treated to a display of football that embodies the very best of what the sport has to offer.
