Can Liverpool’s Left Rival Salah’s World-Class Output? | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah: The Best Player in the World Right Now

When it comes to footballing excellence, Mohamed Salah is undeniably in a league of his own. His blistering performances this season are a testament to his elite status, with stats that stand head and shoulders above his peers. While players like Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo are undoubtedly talented, even combining their contributions doesn’t quite match the magic of Salah. Let’s break this down and explore why Salah is the best player in the world right now. Yet, we need the left side to try and match that aggregate,

Salah’s Unreal Output

Salah’s numbers for the 2024/25 season are nothing short of extraordinary. Across all competitions, he has featured in 24 matches, amassing an astonishing 18 goals and 15 assists in just 1,970 minutes. That’s 33 direct goal contributions, or one every 59.7 minutes—a jaw-dropping output that few can dream of matching.

Photo: IMAGO

Take his match against Tottenham, for example. With 2 goals and 2 assists, Salah single-handedly dismantled the opposition, leaving spectators wondering how he didn’t take home the Man of the Match award. His combination of speed, intelligence, and composure makes him the ultimate game-changer, a player whose presence alone alters the dynamic of any match.

The Supporting Acts: Gakpo and Díaz

Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo have had their moments this season, but their collective output still pales in comparison to Salah’s. Díaz started the season brightly, racking up 14 goal contributions (11 goals, 3 assists) across 23 appearances and 1,450 minutes. However, his influence has waned in recent weeks, with his explosive early form drying up at a crucial juncture. His two goals on Sunday were a reminder of what he can do though.

Gakpo, on the other hand, took some time to hit his stride but is currently in a purple patch. He has scored 9 goals and provided 3 assists in 25 matches, clocking 1,276 minutes. Impressively, 7 of his goals have come in his last 10 games, showcasing his growing influence. Together, Díaz and Gakpo have 20 goals and 7 assists between them, combining for 27 direct goal contributions—still six short of Salah’s tally.

Even Together, They Don’t Match Salah

The comparison becomes even starker when you realise that Díaz and Gakpo have played 2,726 minutes combined this season—significantly more than Salah’s 1,970. Yet despite this advantage, their combined contributions fall short. Salah’s efficiency and consistency ensure that his impact is unmatched, no matter how you slice the numbers.

Photo: IMAGO

This isn’t to undermine the importance of Díaz and Gakpo. As long as one of them remains in form, Liverpool has a formidable left flank to complement Salah’s brilliance on the right. Their role is crucial in providing the support system for Salah to thrive, but make no mistake—Salah is the main act, and they are the supporting cast.

Photo IMAGO

Why Salah Stands Alone

Salah’s dominance isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the way he dominates games, the fear he strikes into opponents, and his ability to deliver in the biggest moments. His consistency is unparalleled, and his creativity ensures that even on an off day, he’s contributing to the team’s success. Whether it’s a key pass, a pre-assist, or simply drawing defenders away, Salah’s influence permeates every aspect of Liverpool’s attack.

Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo have shown flashes of brilliance, but Salah is the beacon of consistency that every team dreams of. His current form cements his status as the best player in the world, and if his season continues on this trajectory, even the Ballon d’Or voters will find it hard to ignore. As long as the left combination remains the chief support, Liverpool will be fine.