A Liverpool Legend – Legacy Goes On
One of the strangest modern-day football takes, is when opposition supporters try to down play the achievements of Liverpool’s brilliant servant, Mohamed Salah. When it suits various propaganda, he is seen as an out and out striker, yet when the arguments call for something else, he is labelled as a winger. To the astonishment of so many, whenever the former Chelsea man achieves something extraordinary, he is compared to players not even in the same category as the all-time great. The whole agenda verges on the bizarre and is something that has continually lit a fire of determination. This is one of the Premier League’s greatest ever players, who will use that fire for the final phase of his glittering career, to cement that fact.
👑 Mohamed Salah stats in Premier League so far:
Most goals – 14
Most assists – 8
Most G/A – 22
Most touches in the opposition box
Most open-play chances created
Most shots on Target
Most Big Chances created – 17
Most Big Chances scored
Most xGoals + xAssists pic.twitter.com/nuMe2zHPrN— Ryan (@Ryan7LFC) January 2, 2024
In the last fifteen years or so, the 4-4-2 system has gradually been adjusted to the more flexible and dynamic 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations. Various managers still prefer to experiment with three- or five-man defences, yet for many of the more elite clubs, a central striker (or false nine) is commonly flanked by two wide forwards. It would be unfair to label many of these types as pure wingers, yet equally so, it would be in the wrong to pigeonhole them as strikers. In the case of the Egyptian King, I believe a wide forward best describes his role, which he has taken to extraordinary levels. This model of player can be compared to many others, from both the past and present of the Premier League. The wider version of Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, Eden Hazard, Son Heung-min, Bukayo Saka, and Riyad Mahrez, represent those elite talents who still or once enjoyed terrific levels. In the English top tier, however, none have ever been utterly destructive for their entire duration in the division, in a way that compares to the reds legendary number 11.
Why Will Mohamed Salah Extend His Liverpool Contract?
I wrote recently how the continuing world class form of the Egyptian King, would see him emerge as a leading contender for future Ballon d’Or’s. With assurance in his professional approach, I cannot fathom how the record-breaking goal scorer would forsake a chance to win more silverware (in an elite European league), both individual and team based. Liverpool 2.0 and the success that it may achieve, is currently be carried along by a handful of players, all of which are all in their footballing prime. Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander Arnold, and Mohamed Salah, are the world class entities within the previous and current version of Liverpool FC. The next three years must be navigated in such a way, to ensure their own levels are met by the ambition of their football club. We have already seen strong and proactive development in the Anfield regeneration, which must continue in the coming windows. Despite some clear and lucrative proposals from the Saudi Pro League, the mentality of the 31-year-old Egyptian will surely see him demand an extended stay on Merseyside.
🗞️ Is Salah Still the World’s Greatest in Waiting…
✍️ @StevLFC
🔴 His numbers are ridiculous
🔴 His availability and physicality are superb, and his mindset and attitude are imperious
🔴 Dip in form last season was down to down to tactical setup https://t.co/M0vkBWO8bw
— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) June 27, 2023
Salah’s Impact At Liverpool
Having scored an eye watering 204 goals in 332 games, an astounding return for a player that has been a red since 2017. The most recent contract negotiation (18-months ago) saw his wages increased to a basic salary of £350k per week. The varying bonuses probably pushed that figure to beyond £400k, given the level of the talismans output. With an expiration date of 30th June 2025, this next six months will be about either extending that deal further, or exploring the £200m that may be received by the result of a sale. The latter is of course something that could be used to fully regenerate the squad, however, to hold onto the world’s most devastating forward, is something that both the club and the player will hopefully agree to.
Jürgen Klopp will soon be looking to extend his own contract, one which takes him to the summer of 2026. His own situation not as pressing right now, though I imagine all senior players will want assurances on the management and future expenditure before committing. As FSG look to maintain and grow the value of the club, future investment will be needed to ensure a high level of success, that mirrors the footballing ambitions of the squad and its current manager.
Ultimately, either a huge sale or the extension of Mohamed Salah’s contract, would add certain benefits in either circumstance. The entire fanbase would be delighted if a continued stay was attained, something which would aid in the chase for ultimate success and glory. Manchester City and their monumental reign of dominance, could soon be at an end, essentially due to the 115-charges and impending sanctions. To walk away from Anfield next summer for the riches of Saudi Arabia, would be foolish and not the actions of an elite sporting mindset.
Liverpool FC and Mo’s desire to win multiple trophies are now intertwined with one another. I have little doubt that a contract will be signed at some point this season, in a moment chosen to boost the ongoing title charge. The success and brilliance of what came before could still be eclipsed under Jürgen Klopp, especially if Mohamed Salah were present to lead the glorious charge.
