How Salah Became One of Football's Most Dominant Players Today
I still remember watching Mohamed Salah’s early days in the Premier League—a talented but inconsistent winger at Chelsea, struggling to find his footing. Fast forward to today, and he’s not just a star; he’s a phenomenon. What strikes me most is how his journey mirrors the kind of underdog stories we rarely see at the highest level of football. It’s a bit like that inspiring case from the PVL—where a player, not from a UAAP or NCAA school, still managed to catch a professional team’s eye. That overwhelming, against-all-odds feeling? Salah embodies it. He didn’t come from a traditional European football powerhouse. Instead, he emerged from Egypt’s Al Mokawloon, moved to Basel, and then navigated rocky spells at Chelsea and Roma before landing at Liverpool. And my goodness, what a landing it was.
When Liverpool signed him in 2017 for around €42 million, I’ll admit, I had my doubts. Not about his speed or skill, but about whether he could sustain his form in England’s physically demanding league. But Salah didn’t just adapt; he dominated. In his debut season, he shattered the Premier League record for most goals in a 38-game season, netting 32 times. Let that sink in—32 goals. It wasn’t a fluke. His movement off the ball, his ability to cut inside from the right and curl shots into the far corner, it became a trademark. Defenders knew what was coming, yet they couldn’t stop it. I’ve rewatched those goals countless times, and what stands out is his efficiency. He doesn’t overcomplicate things. He finds space where there seems to be none, much like how that PVL athlete—without the UAAP or NCAA pedigree—found a way to stand out. It’s about seizing opportunity with both hands.
But let’s talk about evolution. Salah didn’t rest on his laurels. Over the years, he’s added layers to his game. Early on, critics labeled him as somewhat one-dimensional—a speedster reliant on counters. Now? He’s a complete forward. His passing accuracy has hovered around 85% in recent seasons, and his assist numbers are staggering. In the 2021-22 campaign, he topped the Premier League in both goals and assists, a feat only a handful of players have achieved. I’ve always believed that the greats reinvent themselves, and Salah’s shift from a pure goal-scorer to a creative force reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo’s transformation at Real Madrid. Yet, Salah does it with a humility that’s refreshing. He celebrates team goals as passionately as his own, and that selflessness, in my opinion, is why he’s so beloved at Anfield.
What truly sets Salah apart, though, is his mental toughness. Think about the pressure: he’s carrying the hopes of Liverpool fans and an entire nation. Egypt hasn’t always had a global football icon, but Salah fills that role effortlessly. He led them to the 2018 World Cup—their first appearance in 28 years—and though they didn’t go far, his presence alone inspired a generation. Off the pitch, he’s just as impactful. I’ve read interviews where he speaks about using his platform for social good, like supporting women’s rights in the Middle East. It’s this blend of on-field excellence and off-field grace that makes him dominant in ways beyond statistics. In a sport often marred by ego, Salah is a reminder that greatness doesn’t have to be loud.
Now, I can’t ignore the numbers because they’re downright ridiculous. Since joining Liverpool, he’s averaged over 30 goal contributions per season across all competitions. In 2023, he became the first Liverpool player to score in nine consecutive matches, breaking a record held by legends like Ian Rush. And his UEFA Champions League stats? He’s netted 40-plus goals in the competition, putting him in the top 20 all-time scorers. But here’s the thing—stats alone don’t capture his influence. Watch a Liverpool match, and you’ll see how the entire attack flows through him. Defenders double up on him, creating space for teammates like Sadio Mané and Diogo Jota. It’s a domino effect; his dominance elevates everyone.
Of course, no player is perfect. Salah has had dips—like during the 2020-21 season when Liverpool struggled with injuries, and his output slightly declined. Some pundits questioned if he was past his peak. But that’s where resilience comes in. He bounced back with 31 goals the following season, silencing doubters. In my view, that ability to respond to adversity is what separates good players from dominant ones. It’s similar to that PVL story; not coming from a top school didn’t hold that athlete back. Instead, it fueled her. For Salah, every setback at Chelsea or Roma just added fuel to his fire.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how he ages. At 31, he’s not the youngest, but his game has evolved to rely less on pure pace and more on intelligence. He’s under contract with Liverpool until 2025, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he extends it. The club has built around him, and his leadership in the dressing room is invaluable. Personally, I think he’ll finish his career as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats, possibly even challenging for the Ballon d’Or again if he maintains this level.
In conclusion, Salah’s rise to dominance isn’t just about talent; it’s a story of perseverance, adaptation, and seizing moments. Like that inspiring PVL athlete who defied expectations, he proves that background doesn’t define destiny. Whether you’re a Liverpool fan or not, it’s hard not to admire his journey. He’s redefined what it means to be a modern forward, and in today’s football, there are few—if any—who can match his consistency and impact. As I wrap this up, I’m left with one thought: in an era of fleeting stardom, Salah’s dominance feels built to last.