Mohamed Salah has become the focal point of attention within the Premier League, showcasing performances this season indicative of both his scoring ability and playmaking skills. Once dismissed as just another talent lost under the pressures of English football, Salah has evolved—making himself the centerpiece of Liverpool's attack and sitting among the best to ever grace the league.
Currently, Salah is sitting on 21 goals across all competitions this season after his recent penalty during Liverpool’s thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester United. This goal not only highlighted his scoring proficiency but also brought him level with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry on the all-time Premier League goal list, both standing firmly at 175 goals. When considering few have found the back of the net as consistently or excitingly as Salah over the last few seasons, it’s easier to picture his climb up the record books.
Historically, Salah has had quite the path—a young talent at Chelsea whose career appeared stunted, he faced several loans before finding his rhythm at Roma, where he showcased glimpses of brilliance. It was Liverpool's $50 million investment in him back in 2017 which raised eyebrows, but as Salah reflects on his time at Liverpool, he has consistently proven his doubters wrong.
This season, Salah has been directly involved in 30 goals through 19 league fixtures, scoring 18 and assisting 12—remarkably comprising 64% of Liverpool's total league goals so far. New head coach Arne Slot commented on Salah's performance; "We didn’t foresee Salah could take his game any higher, yet somehow he has.” His conversion rate has reached new heights as well, managing to score on over 24% of his attempts, which surpasses the previous statistics of fellow elite strikers, including Manchester City's Erling Haaland.
While the season saw speculation about Salah's longevity at Anfield, particularly with discussions around his expiring contract, he remains unfazed, focusing on his contributions to the club. "Do you want to look back and say, ‘I was worried about the contract or feeling stressed?’ Or do you want to reflect and say, ‘I had an incredible season?’” Salah posed perceptively.
Reflecting on his overall career at Liverpool, Salah's statistics are significant. After eight seasons, he boasts 173 goals and 81 assists across Premier League matches, making him one of, if not the, most productive forwards of his era. It’s noteworthy too to recognize he’s already accumulating individual awards, having set to be among the frontrunners once again for both the Golden Boot and Playmaker Award come season's end.
But Salah’s impact this season extends far beyond just scoring; he brings unparalleled creativity to Liverpool’s right flank. His assists tally this season is already impressive, showing how he not only finds the net but also sets up his teammates. He currently leads the Premier League for assists and has surpassed his personal-best of 13 assists from the 2021-22 campaign.
Alongside iconic performances, there’s been historical significance. Salah’s overall contributions within Premier League history are noteworthy; alongside other greats like Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney, his scoring and assisting stats are impeccable. Further, it will likely see Salah pushing to break more records by season’s end, including potentially eclipsing Frank Lampard’s tally of 177 goals over the next few matches and possibly even Andy Cole's and Sergio Aguero’s records depending on his continued form and fitness.
Despite some critics raising eyebrows over his declining goals last season, which saw him score his fewest since joining Liverpool, the doubters have been silenced as Salah reinvents himself at 32. His tenacity, positioning, and timing are sharper than ever, attributed to his ability to rejuvenate under renewed management—a suspicion of many observers.
At the halfway mark of the season, Salah has firmly placed himself not only within reach of setting new records but also earning accolades among the best footballers globally. His efforts this season have been unparalleled, being one of the few players aiming to top both scoring and assist charts—a feat only achieved four times before within Premier League history.
For Salah, the focus remains on success rather than uncertainties over his future. Liverpool’s push for silverware across four competitions hinges heavily on Salah's inspiration. With fans rallying behind him and banners urging ownership to secure his future, Salah embodies the spirit of Liverpool—undaunted, tenacious, and relentless.
There's no telling how this season will end, but for Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian King, football fans witness something extraordinary—a player who, with each match, rewrites history.