Among all players in Europe’s top five leagues, only three have more combined goals and assists than Mohamed Salah this season. None of them play in the Premier League—the most challenging league in world football.
Salah has recorded 10 goals and six assists in 12 Premier League matches, along with two goals and four assists in six cup games. At 33 years old next June, he remains as much of a match-winner as he was during his remarkable first season at Anfield.
The iconic forward has contributed to 66% of Liverpool’s 24 league goals, with 17 of their 31 points coming from his goals and assists. Without him, they would be 13th, with just 14 points and three wins, according to Opta.
It’s concerning for the club’s supporters that Salah has not yet received any offers to extend his contract. Following the 3-2 win at Southampton, he remarked: “I’m probably more out than in. I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end, it is not in my hands.
“It is December, and I haven’t received anything yet about my future. I love the fans. The fans love me. In the end, it is not in my hands or the fans’ hands. Let’s wait and see. I’m not going to retire soon, so I’m just playing, focusing on the season, and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well.
“I’m disappointed, but we will see. I’m very professional. Everybody can see my work ethic. I’m just trying to enjoy my football and I will play at the top level as long as possible. I’m just doing my best because this is who I am and I try to give it all for myself and for the club. We will see what happens next.”
Salah isn’t exaggerating. He remains a player capable of being a top-tier difference-maker for many more years. The Egyptian King has proven this for eight straight seasons, silencing critics who once doubted he might be a one-hit wonder. Even his ‘worst’ season still saw him deliver 37 goals and assists.
With 22 goals already this season from just 18 matches across all competitions, Salah, 32, is now Liverpool’s fifth-highest all-time scorer. If he stays longer at the club, he is set to climb to second place.
What Liverpool’s data analysts will be calculating is how long he can maintain this level of performance. While some aspects can’t be measured by data, it will certainly highlight that the No. 11 is a natural game-changer who thrives on making an impact.
Take a look at his celebrations after scoring Liverpool’s winner at Southampton—he’s the star of the show, and he thrives on it. He holds himself and his teammates to the highest standards. Salah recently stated: “I know there are games where I lack momentum, or my game isn’t flowing, but I always stay focused.”
“Johnny (Heitinga), when he came here this year, he’s like, ‘Oh Mo, you’re not playing good today!’ and I say, ‘Yeah, but I always find a moment!’ I’m not always very good at the game; it’s normal. We’re still human, but I always try to find a way to change a game.”
And time and again, he delivers. The Egypt captain continues to make the difference, stepping up to decide matches week after week, month after month.
Salah hasn’t received enough recognition outside of Merseyside for how he’s evolved his game in recent seasons, transforming himself into not only a prolific goalscorer but also a top-level creator.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has a clear task ahead. Failing to extend Salah’s contract this season would lead to uproar at Anfield, even if Slot brings the title in May. Salah must stay.
It’s disgraceful that the Reds have let it reach this point, with just over 40 days left until Salah can begin talks with foreign clubs about a free transfer next summer. A proposal must be made immediately to prevent this looming distraction from overshadowing what could be a successful second half of the season.
Returning to what data can’t capture, Salah’s impact at the club goes far beyond his performances on the pitch, as highlighted in a recent video on the club’s YouTube channel with Alisson and Andy Robertson.
Robertson explained: “Everyone comes in and the most excited person they are to see is Mo, usually the young players and new players. Then, they see how much he commits to his craft.
“They then take that on board. I’ve seen so many players come in, and all of a sudden, they’re in the gym so early before training, and that’s because of him.”
Salah is a role model and a generational talent, irreplaceable both on and off the pitch. He sets the standard in the dressing room and rises to the occasion when Liverpool needs him most. While the club is financially responsible, replacing him would cost far more than keeping him. Fenway Sports Group and Hughes must prioritize securing his future—no pressure.
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