Salah’s Remarkable Assists Record
Mohamed Salah is on the cusp of etching his name even deeper into the annals of Premier League history. In the thrilling clash between Liverpool and Newcastle at Anfield on Wednesday night, the Egyptian winger notched his 18th assist of the 2024/25 season. Salah’s precise pass set up a midfielder for Liverpool’s second goal, a moment that was both a tactical masterpiece and a testament to his exceptional vision and skill. With this assist, Salah is now just three shy of the single-season Premier League assist record. Only Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry have ever managed more than 18 assists in a single campaign, a feat that highlights Salah’s extraordinary consistency and impact on the pitch.
Joining Elite Company
The pursuit of the Premier League assist record places Salah in the company of some of the greatest playmakers in the league’s history. On just six occasions has a player reached 18 assists in a single season, and Salah is well on his way to surpassing that milestone. His current tally of 17 assists is already a remarkable achievement, and his form shows no signs of waning. If Salah can maintain his current pace, he could very well join De Bruyne and Henry as the only players to have achieved 20 assists in a Premier League season. This would not only solidify his status as one of the best assist providers in the league but also cement his legacy as a true footballing genius.
A Season of Dominance
Salah’s impact on Liverpool’s campaign has been nothing short of phenomenal. Not only is he leading the Premier League in assists, but he is also the top scorer, with a total of 42 goal involvements in the 2024/25 season. This combination of goals and assists places him on track to break the record for the most goal involvements in a 38-game Premier League season, currently stood at 44. Ange Postecoglou, Liverpool’s manager, might not be overly preoccupied with assist statistics, but for Arne Slot and the rest of the football community, Salah’s consistent brilliance is a source of both admiration and inspiration. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates while also finding the back of the net himself is a rare and precious talent that few players can match.
The Journey to Greatness
To fully appreciate the magnitude of Salah’s achievement, it’s important to look at the players who have come closest to breaking the assist record. Cesc Fabregas, Frank Lampard, and Mesut Ozil have all reached 18 assists in a single season, but only De Bruyne and Henry have gone beyond that. Fabregas achieved this feat twice, once with Arsenal in 2009/10 and again with Chelsea in 2014/15. Lampard managed it with Chelsea in 2004/05, while Ozil did it with Arsenal in 2015/16. De Bruyne, in particular, has set the bar exceptionally high, hitting 20 assists in both 2016/17 and 2019/20. Salah’s current form suggests he is more than capable of joining this illustrious group, and his recent performances indicate that he may even surpass their records.
The Impact on Liverpool
Salah’s contributions have been a crucial factor in Liverpool’s strong start to the 2024/25 season. His ability to orchestrate attacks and create scoring chances has been instrumental in the team’s success. Whether he is dribbling past defenders, delivering pinpoint crosses, or making decisive runs, Salah is a constant threat to opposing defenses. His partnership with his teammates, particularly the midfielders, has been particularly effective, as evidenced by the assist he provided against Newcastle. Postecoglou’s system has clearly benefited from Salah’s creativity and vision, allowing the team to play a more dynamic and attacking style of football. As the season progresses, the rest of the Premier League will need to find ways to neutralize Salah’s influence, but the task is daunting given his current form.
Looking Ahead
As Salah continues his pursuit of the assist record, the football world watches with bated breath. His performance against Newcastle was yet another reminder of his exceptional talent and his ability to perform under pressure. With just three assists away from breaking the record, the likelihood of Salah achieving this historic milestone is high. For Liverpool fans and football enthusiasts alike, the coming matches will be filled with anticipation and excitement. Whether or not Salah can surpass De Bruyne and Henry, his impact on the game is undeniable, and his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the Premier League is secure.
