You may never believe Mohamed Salah found his groove this season if you witnessed his stumbles last season.
Yes, an intimidating King of Egypt is back. When Liverpool needed one more goal to secure a firm victory over Leicester City, he took command personally, penetrating inside the box from the right flank. As the defender believed that he would run deeper for a cross, Salah netted the ball in without intention.
In Sunday’s last Premier League match for Liverpool, we had to review the replay to confirm whether he successfully nutmegged a defender before creating an easy scoring opportunity for Cody Gakpo.
Before signing a new contract with the club, Salah demonstrated he still had the energy to lead the team, who then capitalized on a fast break, evaded two defenders, and set up Diogo Jota to score the fifth goal against West Ham.
"(This year) it feels different, but the most important thing is we need to stay humble,” Salah said after the Reds routed Leicester City 3-1. “This one is very special, hopefully we win the Premier League and for this club, it is something I dream of."
While Liverpool remains unbeaten since the awkward loss to Forest in September, the 32-year-old Egyptian International is making a brand new statement, rewriting the script of the club and himself.
Salah Reactivates Liverpool’s Champion belief
As Slot stepped up the reigns at Liverpool, the club's questions and public concerns swirled about whether Liverpool could still keep the competitiveness after saying adieu to Jurgen Klopp’s system.
While the Dutchman was figuring out the squad with a distinct coaching mindset and re-evaluating the upcoming season’s objectives, no one believed Liverpool could win the title.
Meanwhile, Liverpool took no big action in the transfer market during the summer when the campaign urged to revamp the backline.
Instead, the club kept those names in the team as much as possible. Despite putting Salah as the Reds’ priority in any aspect who stumbled partially due to the injury, no one believed the Egyptian International could impel Liverpool in his seventh season with the team. People also couldn’t predict how well he could play under a new manager.
As the season hits the midway point, Salah is shining relentlessly with a sterling G/A production (17 goals and 13 assists) in the PL, becoming the current best leader for the Golden Boot.
Besides the narrow 1-0 win to Crystal Palace and the awkward loss to Nottingham Forest, Salah generated at least one G/A production in the rest 16 PL matches, becoming the only player with 10 league goals and 10 league assists across the top five leagues in Europe.
Riding Salah’s momentum, Liverpool took the lead in the title race earlier and have kept control for months. In his seventh season with the Reds, Salah carried the team when he scored a heroic brace against Southampton in late November, rescuing Liverpool from danger.
When the Reds demonstrated a rare vulnerability against Newcastle, it was again Salah who put up a brace to secure one point from St. James’ Park.
“We always know we can trust on him if things are difficult for us,” Slot said after Liverpool drew to Newcastle.
As a senior player and key figure in Liverpool's attacking lineup, Salah's consistent performances have set a high standard for his teammates.
His ability to score and assist has been crucial for Liverpool's progress. His level of contribution not only boosts Liverpool’s morale but also sets a benchmark for other players to aspire to.
Salah Flipped the Script, refusing the downward trend
Although he scored 18 goals and provided 10 assists last Premier League season, many thought Salah was in decline, especially with just a year left on his Liverpool contract.
However, as the team assessed the possibility of extending his contract, Salah countered this perception, making a strong statement at the start of this season with his outstanding performance.
Normally the striker with the aging issue may transfer the focus more on progressing the ball forward and creating chances.
But Salah flipped the pigeonholed script, demonstrating his worth through goal contributions and securing the same amount of playing time as in previous seasons.
Thanks to Slot’s controlled and creative system, Salah has transitioned from his traditional role of making direct runs behind defenses to occupying more creative spaces, particularly around the corner of the 18-yard box.
This adjustment has allowed Salah to contribute more to the team's creative play, as evidenced by his increased number of assists and involvement in goal-scoring opportunities.
Throughout the observation of Liverpool’s preseason matches, John Barnes, a former Liverpool player who served the team for ten years, pointed out that Salah had been playing a wider role under Slot, stretching defenses and creating opportunities for teammates rather than positioning himself centrally for scoring. These transformations also allow Salah to preserve more energy.
Looking Ahead
“For now, the only thing on my mind is Liverpool winning the league and I want to be part of that. That is the only thing I’ve focused on since the beginning of this season,” With a 5-0 triumph over West Ham on Sunday, Salah reiterated his title ambition.
By the 18th round of the Premier League, Salah has already surpassed his G/A tally from last season (28). He also made Premier League history with the most matches in a single season where he both scored and assisted (8). With more records under his belt and others within reach, Salah continues to shine brilliantly.
Salah’s resurgence this season is more than just a return to form—it’s a masterclass in reinvention, proving that age and adversity are no match for adaptability and ambition.
As Liverpool continues to redefine its identity under Slot, Salah stands as both the bridge to their glorious past and the key to their evolving future.