Mohamed Salah has had his best Liverpool season in many years.
The 31-year old Egyptian is a player who has surpassed many in terms of performance at an age where most players start to slow down.
The Reds striker has scored 12 goals in all competitions. This is the same form he displayed when he arrived in Anfield, in 2017.
We examine the statistics and how Egypt is turning back the clocks ahead of its 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Djibouti.
Throwback Season
Salah scored 10 Premier League goals in just 12 matches. That’s 31.6 goals spread over 38 matches.
In 2017-18, he had his best season ever when he netted 32 goals during his first year at Liverpool.
Salah is still a lethal goalscorer, but he’s never been as deadly since his first appearance. Until now.
The 19 goals he scored in the league last season, spread over 38 matches, was his lowest total during his tenure on Merseyside.
Sadio’s departure in June 2022 deprived Jurgen Klopp of No11 his usual supply line.
Salah now has a whole new group of attacking players, and Darwin Nunez’s arrival in particular seems to indicate a shift to a more defensive role that would allow him to do less harm.
Since arriving in the Premier League at the beginning of the last season, the Uruguayan is credited with seven Premier League goals by the Liverpool legend. Kevin De Bruyne is the only player to have set up Erling Haaland eight times more.
World Class
Klopp spoke recently about Salah’s adaptability and ability to thrive in new roles.
He stated: “The young Mo is a fast player, who can go behind. Mo played with Edin Dzeko at Roma.
He had to adapt from day one. He was able to adapt very well.
Bobby Firmino was most likely the one who set things up.
Then you do not need two players that are slightly deeper. You need to have players on the edge of the box and players that can get the ball past the goal line.
It’s a little different now, with Darwin playing. We have another player who can play fast up there.
This definitely changed Mo’s situation, but he was smart enough to adjust to these new things.
It is true that he has made a massive improvement since his arrival, but in every phase he was world-class. That’s probably the highest praise you can give a player.
Salah’s excellent season has a subplot: the potential transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ittihad bid PS100million over the summer for the assailant, and that could have increased to PS150m if there were add-ons.
Liverpool turned down the bid, but it is interesting to speculate what would have happened if the first offer had come sooner in the window rather than at the very end with limited time for a new signing.
Salah’s return to form makes a January transfer unlikely. Especially if Premier League giants have a chance to take the league title.
The contract of the former Chelsea player expires 2025. This means that the matter could be raised again next summer.
Salah’s continued performance could lead to Al-Ittihad attempting to acquire the top talent.
