Under-appreciated Salah worth his wages

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Mohamed Salah became Liverpool’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League this weekend surpassing the legendary Robbie Fowler with the Reds talisman now on 129 goals. Despite his remarkable consistency and output the Egyptian king does not get the recognition he deserves.

Salah has undoubtedly surpassed the expectations placed upon him after his 35 million pound move from Roma six years ago. Liverpool were confident he would lead them to glory but few would have expected the staggering numbers he would produce.

His two goals and two assists in Liverpool’s historic 7-0 win over Manchester United do not do justice to the performance of one of the best players in the Premier League. Against United, Salah showed off all aspects of his game with star performers Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez humbled by his dribbling, finishing and creative ability.

Liverpool came under intense media and public scrutiny for agreeing a new deal that saw Salah break their strict wage structure. Salah has been arguably the best player in the Premier League since his return from Italy and deserved to be amongst its highest earners. The highest earners in the Premier League should put the 350 thousand pounds a week Liverpool are paying Salah into perspective.

Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and David De Gea all earn more than the Egyptian while Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Raphael Varane and Casemiro all earn in excess of 300 thousand pounds a week. None of those mentioned above besides Kevin De Bruyne have won the PFA Player of the year. Salah has won it twice while also winning the golden boot on three occasions.

The fact that 22 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances is considered the worst season of Salah’s Liverpool career is a testament to the standards set by the Egyptian. Marcus Rashford is currently one of the best forwards in the world and having the best season of his Manchester United career managing 34 goal contributions in 40 games. This is not playing down Rashford’s brilliance but interesting when considering the narrative of both the wingers seasons thus far.

In a difficult season where Liverpool have suffered from the successes of last season, Salah is still performing. The absence of prized teammate Sadio Mane has been felt but Salah is not one to dwell on poor form, he is a determined champion that will never give in to the noise off the field.

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Dylan Johnson