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The Impact of Mohamed Salah on Liverpool’s Season

In the pursuit of silverware, a collective effort is crucial, yet having a standout performer can significantly influence a team’s fortunes. Mohamed Salah exemplifies this role for Liverpool, emerging as a key player in a pivotal season as the league reaches its climax.

Currently, Salah tops both the scoring and assist charts in the Premier League with an impressive tally of 22 goals and 14 assists, propelling Liverpool to the forefront of the standings. His recent performance at Goodison Park highlighted his value, where he assisted the opening goal and added another himself in a challenging match, marking the ninth occasion this season he has contributed both goals and assists in a single game. As Liverpool gears up to face Wolves, they will certainly recognize the challenge posed by Salah, although containing his impact is a formidable task.

While many players tend to see a decline in performance around the age of 32, Salah stands apart, showcasing the benefits of modern athletic conditioning. His disciplined approach to training and maintenance, combined with a largely injury-free career, has allowed him to consistently feature in at least 32 matches each season since his arrival at Liverpool in 2017. His fitness and availability remain a constant under manager Arne Slot, who acknowledges the experience and intelligence that Salah brings to the pitch.

Slot’s Perspective on Salah

“There are elements where you can notice he is 32,” Slot remarked. “His wealth of experience allows him to anticipate where the ball will end up, a testament to the knowledge he has gained over time. This comes as a significant advantage.” He added that Salah’s fitness levels are remarkable for a player of his age, allowing him to contribute effectively in consecutive fixtures, a quality he shares with the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo at 40 and fellow teammate Virgil van Dijk.

Despite sitting at the top of the league with just one loss this season, Slot emphasizes that Liverpool’s position is a product of hard-fought battles rather than sheer dominance. Often, the decisive factor is the presence of Salah, who has managed to remain productive in a majority of matches this season. “It’s a privilege for any manager to work with world-class players like him. They elevate the team’s execution of strategy and style,” Slot explained. “What truly excites me, however, is his humility and desire to improve, which he shares with several talented teammates.”

Salah’s Unique Playing Style

Salah has carved out a distinctive role on the right flank, expertly maneuvering into spaces between the center-back and full-back. Much like Arjen Robben in his prime, he possesses the uncanny ability to curl the ball into the far corner while also positioning himself well for close-range goals. His tally of 179 goals places him sixth on the Premier League’s all-time scoring list, just shy of reaching Sergio Agüero and Andy Cole, both of whom he may surpass this season.

The question of whether Salah will ascend into the top three goal scorers remains uncertain, particularly with the ticking clock on his current contract. The recent transition in Liverpool’s sporting director and the search for a new head coach have complicated negotiations regarding contract renewals, not just for Salah but also for players like Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. While Salah has received an extension offer, the uncertainty looms, with speculation suggesting that a move to Saudi Arabia could be on the cards, offering lucrative terms but potentially less competitive football.

Salah: A Cornerstone for Liverpool

In many ways, Salah represents Liverpool’s equivalent of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kevin De Bruyne—an influential figure whose relentless spirit and extraordinary talent can uplift the team during challenging times. As Liverpool strives for success in the league and beyond, Salah’s pivotal role will undoubtedly continue to shine, guiding the team through the vicissitudes of competition in pursuit of glory.

Source
www.theguardian.com