In the world of football, few players have left a lasting impact on a club as Mohamed Salah has at Liverpool. Since his arrival in 2017, Salah has not only cemented his place as one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous red jersey but also played a pivotal role in transforming Liverpool into a dominant force in Europe and the Premier League. This article will delve into Salah’s journey at Liverpool, examining his incredible achievements, key moments, and the impact he has had both on and off the pitch.
1. The Arrival of a Superstar
When Liverpool signed Mohamed Salah from AS Roma in the summer of 2017 for a then-club-record fee of £36.9 million, expectations were high, but no one could have predicted just how transformative his impact would be. Salah had already shown promise in Serie A, scoring 15 league goals in his final season at Roma, but it was at Anfield where he would truly come into his own.
From the very first moment he stepped onto the pitch for Liverpool, Salah made an impression. His pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal were immediately apparent, and he quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking players. His debut season remains one of the greatest in Premier League history, as he shattered records and set the stage for what would become an iconic career.
2. Breaking Records and Defying Expectations
Salah’s debut season for Liverpool was nothing short of spectacular. He finished the 2017-18 Premier League campaign as the top scorer with 32 goals, setting a new record for the most goals in a 38-game season. In total, Salah netted 44 goals in all competitions, an astonishing feat for a player in his first year at a new club.
His goal-scoring prowess was matched only by his consistency. Salah seemed to score in every game, often producing moments of magic to win matches single-handedly. His ability to find the back of the net from almost any angle, combined with his speed and technical skill, made him a nightmare for defenders. Liverpool fans quickly coined the phrase «The Egyptian King» to describe their new hero, and Salah’s status as a global superstar was cemented.
The records didn’t stop there. Salah became the fastest player in Liverpool’s history to reach 50 goals, achieving the milestone in just 65 appearances. He also broke the record for the most goals in a single Champions League season for Liverpool, with 10 goals during the 2017-18 campaign. Salah’s relentless pursuit of goals continued to push Liverpool to new heights, as they became one of Europe’s most feared attacking forces.
3. The Champions League Glory
While Salah’s individual achievements are remarkable, it’s his role in Liverpool’s team success that truly defines his impact. After a heartbreaking defeat to Real Madrid in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final — a match in which Salah was forced off early due to injury — the Egyptian forward was determined to lead Liverpool back to the pinnacle of European football.
The following season, Liverpool embarked on a historic Champions League campaign, with Salah at the forefront. His goals and assists were crucial as the Reds navigated their way through the knockout stages, setting up a memorable final against Tottenham Hotspur. Salah played a key role in the 2-0 victory, scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot just two minutes into the match. It was a moment of redemption for Salah and a testament to his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
The Champions League triumph in 2019 was a turning point for Liverpool. It not only ended the club’s seven-year trophy drought but also solidified their status as one of the best teams in the world. Salah’s impact in helping Liverpool achieve this success cannot be overstated. His leadership, determination, and ability to perform under pressure were crucial to the team’s triumph.
4. Premier League Dominance
If the Champions League victory was the crowning achievement of Salah’s early Liverpool career, the Premier League title in 2020 was the culmination of years of hard work and dominance. Liverpool had come agonizingly close to winning the league in the 2018-19 season, finishing just one point behind Manchester City despite amassing 97 points.
The following season, however, there was no stopping Liverpool. Salah continued to lead the charge, scoring 19 goals and providing 10 assists as Liverpool stormed to their first league title in 30 years. His partnership with Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino was at the heart of Liverpool’s attacking brilliance, with the trio tearing apart defenses across the country.
Salah’s influence on the team went beyond just his goals and assists. His relentless work ethic, intelligent movement off the ball, and ability to create space for his teammates made him a vital cog in Jürgen Klopp’s high-pressing, fast-paced system. His leadership on the pitch and in the dressing room also helped maintain the team’s focus and drive, as they marched toward an inevitable title triumph.
5. Beyond the Numbers: Salah’s Legacy at Liverpool
While statistics and trophies paint a picture of Salah’s immense impact at Liverpool, his influence goes beyond what can be measured by numbers. Salah has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for millions around the world, particularly in his home country of Egypt. He has used his platform to promote positive change, both through his charitable work and his role as a role model for aspiring footballers.
Off the pitch, Salah’s humility and grounded nature have endeared him to fans across the globe. Despite his superstar status, he remains approachable and relatable, often using his social media presence to connect with his supporters. His sense of humor and laid-back demeanor make him a fan favorite, and he has become one of the most recognizable figures in world football.
Salah’s impact on the Liverpool squad is also immeasurable. His professionalism, dedication to his craft, and ability to perform at the highest level have set the standard for the rest of the team. Younger players, in particular, look up to Salah as a role model, and his presence in the dressing room has helped foster a winning mentality at the club.
6. Salah’s Tactical Evolution
Under Jürgen Klopp’s management, Salah has evolved tactically to become one of the most complete forwards in world football. Initially deployed as a traditional winger, Salah has adapted his game to play more centrally, often functioning as a second striker or even a false nine. This tactical flexibility has allowed Liverpool to exploit different defensive weaknesses and made Salah an even more potent threat in front of goal.
One of Salah’s most underrated qualities is his ability to press high up the pitch and win the ball back in dangerous areas. Klopp’s gegenpressing system relies heavily on forwards who can apply pressure and disrupt the opposition’s buildup play, and Salah excels in this role. His work off the ball often goes unnoticed, but it’s a crucial aspect of Liverpool’s success.
Additionally, Salah’s link-up play with his fellow forwards has improved dramatically over the years. His understanding with Firmino and Mané is almost telepathic at times, and the fluidity of their movements makes Liverpool’s attack one of the most difficult to defend against. Salah’s ability to drop deep and create chances for others has added a new dimension to his game, making him more than just a goal-scorer.
7. Salah Among Liverpool’s All-Time Greats
As of 2024, Mohamed Salah is firmly established as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats. With over 190 goals to his name, he is closing in on becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer, a record currently held by Ian Rush. Salah’s consistency over the years, combined with his ability to deliver in crucial moments, has placed him in the same conversation as legends like Steven Gerrard, Kenny Dalglish, and Robbie Fowler.
His accolades at Liverpool include two Premier League Golden Boots, the PFA Player of the Year award, and numerous individual honors, but it’s his team achievements that will define his legacy. Salah has won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup with Liverpool, making him one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.
8. What’s Next for Salah?
As Salah enters his 30s, the question on many fans’ minds is: What’s next for the Egyptian King? While some players begin to decline in their early 30s, Salah shows no signs of slowing down. His fitness, dedication to maintaining his physical condition, and tactical intelligence suggest that he has several more years at the top level.
Liverpool’s challenge will be to continue surrounding Salah with the quality needed to compete for major trophies. With new additions to the squad and the continued development of young talent, there’s every reason to believe that Salah can help lead Liverpool to more silverware in the coming years.
Mohamed Salah’s impact at Liverpool is undeniable. From breaking records and winning individual honors to leading the team to Champions League and Premier League glory, Salah has written his name into the club’s rich history. His legacy as one of the greatest players to ever wear the Liverpool shirt is secure, and his influence on the team, the fans, and the footballing world will be felt for generations to come. As Salah continues to add to his remarkable story, Liverpool fans can only watch in awe and gratitude for the brilliance he brings to Anfield every time he steps onto the pitch.