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Mohamed Salah Proves He’s Still Liverpool’s Main Man

Liverpool’s Premier League campaign kicked off in style, and once again, Mohamed Salah was at the heart of it. Despite all the speculation about his future and whether age might be catching up with him, the Egyptian forward continues to demonstrate that he is indispensable to Arne Slot’s side. His recent performance against Ipswich Town was a timely reminder that Liverpool’s fortunes remain tightly bound to Salah’s brilliance.

Salah’s Global Appeal: A Testament to His Influence

Even in friendly matches, Salah’s influence is palpable. After Liverpool’s recent win over Sevilla, a group of the Spanish side’s players waited eagerly in the corridor outside the dressing room, hoping to secure his shirt. Such scenes highlight Salah’s status as a global icon, a player whose reputation transcends the boundaries of Anfield and the Premier League. Whether on the pitch or off it, Salah commands respect and admiration.

The buzz around Salah has been non-stop, especially as he approaches his 32nd birthday. Last season, his form dipped slightly, prompting debates about whether his best days were behind him. Liverpool’s treble challenge faded, and so did Salah’s goal tally, managing just three in his last 11 appearances. A very public disagreement with Klopp during a match against West Ham United in April added fuel to the fire. Post-match, Salah cryptically warned, “There’s going to be fire today if I speak.”

Injury woes added to his frustrations. A hamstring problem sustained at the Africa Cup of Nations forced him to miss crucial fixtures, including Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final triumph. Returning to the team, Salah struggled to regain his rhythm and was even relegated to the bench on occasion, a rare sight for a player of his calibre.

Photo: IMAGO

A Refreshed Salah: The Start of a New Chapter

Fast forward to this season, and the picture couldn’t be more different. Unlike many of his teammates who were busy with international commitments at Euro 2024 or the Copa America, Salah benefited from an extended break. The benefits were evident from day one of pre-season, where he topped the fitness charts at Kirkby. His sharpness and fitness levels have made a resounding statement: Mohamed Salah is back, and he’s here to make an impact.

Salah’s influence extends beyond his on-field exploits. His leadership and positivity have been instrumental in creating a vibrant atmosphere within the squad. New signings like Dominik Szoboszlai and Kostas Tsimikas have been welcomed into the fold, with Salah often seen socialising with them at the coffee bar Liverpool built at Kirkby. His presence is felt not just in the goals he scores but in the culture he helps to foster.

Unsurprisingly, Salah was at the heart of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Ipswich Town on the Premier League’s opening weekend. Not only did he set up Diogo Jota for the first goal, but he also sealed the victory himself, marking his 350th appearance for the club in style. His goal also saw him set a new record of nine Premier League goals on the opening weekend of the season, surpassing the likes of Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney, and Alan Shearer.

“Mo was fantastic,” praised left-back Andy Robertson. “Every year, he comes back in even better shape than the season before. He’s managed to get a full pre-season under his belt and looks so good. He really carried us over the line to get the three points.”

The Uncertain Future: Will Salah Stay?

As Salah continues to break records and deliver for Liverpool, questions linger about his future. His current contract, worth £350,000 per week, expires next summer, and there’s no indication yet that an extension is on the cards. Liverpool’s owners have been cautious about offering lucrative contracts to players in their thirties, but Salah is no ordinary 32-year-old. His relentless work ethic and exceptional physical condition set him apart.

The decision of whether Salah stays or goes isn’t solely in Liverpool’s hands. Entering the final year of his contract, Salah is in a strong position. If he becomes a free agent in the summer of 2025, he could command astronomical wages, with interest from the Saudi Pro League already strong. However, it’s hard to imagine Salah walking away from elite football when he’s still rewriting the record books.

Salah’s Legacy: A Liverpool Legend in the Making

With 212 goals for Liverpool, Salah is already fifth on the club’s all-time goalscoring list. He’s closing in on some legendary names, including Billy Liddell and Gordon Hodgson. As Robertson aptly put it, “Mo does everything right. He’s a model professional and someone everyone looks up to.” His influence on the pitch is matched by his dedication off it, ensuring he’s always in peak condition.

Salah’s performance against Ipswich was a statement of intent. Liverpool’s “main man” is not just back in business; he’s ready to lead the charge once again. Whether this season will be his last at Anfield remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Mohamed Salah remains a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s pursuit of Premier League glory.