Numbers are seductive. They can boost a resume, detail a supercar’s speed, and outline how good Liverpool idol Mohamed Salah is. Only outline, though.
Equal with Gordon Hodgson’s total of 241, the 32-year-old is the joint third-highest scorer in Liverpool history, behind Ian Rush (first on 346) and Roger Hunt (second on 285). The most prolific forward in Europe’s top divisions this term, he’s also in a league of his own for goal involvements (goals and assists) on the continent with 42. At least in the Premier League, he could become the most productive striker in a single campaign once the games run out.
Indeed, Salah will probably reach new landmarks before the curtain closes on domestic action this May, when the Egyptian signs off as a Red—unless he finally pens a new contract. Seeing Salah as a super statistics machine solely scrapes the surface, mind. The tallies are products rather than an account of the man himself.
Salah: A Different Type Of Player
Salah defies logic. It’s natural to assume the elite goalscorers are center-forwards who excel for 90-plus minutes every game, yet here’s someone who has primarily operated from the right, often decisive in flashes. In an interview with Sky Sport before Liverpool’s convincing win over Manchester City earlier this month, Salah—while respecting opposing marksman Erling Haaland’s talents—argued the number nine’s job is more straightforward than hitting the same heights from the wing (German).
On top of going his way, Salah has challenged many perceptions of him. He’s always been a complete athlete, yet any suggestions that pace and scoring are his standalone qualities now seem dead. Occasionally, there’s a point during some craftsmen’s oeuvre where they feel omnipotent, and here is Salah’s sweet spot. His weight of pass and slipperiness on the ball are as good as anything, resulting from an appreciation for the game that has come with maturity. He’s at one with his talent—more than ever before.
However, the crux lies between his ears. Salah has chosen to play joyfully, the shackles off. Why feel the weight and expectation of the jersey when you’ve been thriving at Anfield for so long, and when this might be your last dance? Essentially, he’s cut out the intermediary—doubt—which can hold an individual back; he wants to win the biggest trophies again, trusts he can, and is simply putting that into action. That’s a high-level mindset to study.
Then again, Salah is not your average person, even by sportspeople’s standards. To make his way to training as a child in Egypt, he would travel four to five hours there and back. Even with the benefits of modern science, maintaining such a physique into his 30s represents a feat, too. And he’s needed to bounce back in his career, from being a bit-part influence at Chelsea to the crushing disappointment of leaving a Champions League final prematurely due to injury.
Let’s not forget the Ballon d’Or debate, either.
Despite his stature, Salah is yet to be voted the best player in the world, with fifth being his highest-ever placing in the Ballon d’Or. There’s an argument that winning the award requires an outstanding display, ideally a trophy, at an international tournament, not just a stellar domestic season. The furthest Salah has gone in the African Cup of Nations, perhaps not given the respect it deserves, is the final, while competing for the World Cup is a tall order. Nevertheless, his run since August means it’s impossible to discount his case for 2025. He needs to keep shining.
And still shining he is. Which brings us to the final point—how juicy a contract Salah deserves. Naturally, the Liverpool fanbase is calling on the board to give the talisman his dough, whatever the salary. As an invaluable asset, the answer is however much the club is willing to stump up for continuing results. Yet, ironically, quantifying the number 11 with underestimations and overestimations cheapens him. The fascination and learnings around Salah go beyond the figures.
