How Mohamed Salah’s Game Has Evolved After Seven Years at Liverpool | OneFootball

Mohamed Salah: The Evolution of a Liverpool Legend

Liverpool’s iconic forward, Mohamed Salah, is once again in the spotlight as his side prepares for the highly anticipated clash with Manchester United. With two goals in two Premier League matches already this season, Salah’s form shows no signs of slowing down. But what truly sets him apart is his evolution as both a player and a leader within the team, a transformation that has been fascinating to witness over his seven years at Anfield.

Salah’s Scoring Prowess Against Manchester United

Salah’s incredible record against Manchester United is well-known. With 14 goals against the Red Devils, he’s a constant thorn in their side. When asked by Men in Blazers about the secret to his success in these fixtures, Salah’s response was typically understated: “I just go to the game, try to focus on the game and win the game. I know what it means to the fans and the city, so I’m always trying to help the team and score goals.” This grounded approach is what makes Salah so effective; his ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations is a testament to his maturity on the field.

Seven Years of Growth: From Talent to Mentor

Reflecting on his time at Liverpool, Salah acknowledges how much he has grown, both as a player and as a person. “I have changed a lot. As a person, you grow. My kids are Scousers now! Their language is like the accent as well. So, it’s a big change,” he notes. This growth is not just personal; Salah’s evolution as a player is evident. He’s no longer just a goal-scorer; he’s a leader who understands the intricacies of the game far better than when he first arrived.

Salah describes this transformation: “As a player you feel like now you are aware of everything in the game, you’re more calm and you know football more than before now…you can control your emotions in the game and try to set a good example for the young players.” His words highlight the transition from being a promising talent to becoming a seasoned professional who guides the next generation of Liverpool players.

Photo: IMAGO

Adapting to a New Style Under Arne Slot

The arrival of Arne Slot as Liverpool’s manager has brought a noticeable shift in the team’s playing style, something Salah has had to adapt to after years under Jürgen Klopp’s high-intensity approach. Salah acknowledges this shift, stating, “Now we are trying to control the ball all the time…before it wasn’t really the No.1 thing because with Jürgen [Klopp] most of the time we tried to counter-attack or counter-press.” This evolution in tactics requires a mental adjustment, especially for a player who has spent so many years perfecting a different style. However, Salah’s adaptability is one of his greatest strengths, and he seems to be thriving under the new system.

Slot’s emphasis on possession and controlling the game suits Salah’s maturity as a player. “So far it’s working well for all of us, so hopefully we keep going in that direction,” he remarks. His optimism is shared by Liverpool fans who are eager to see how this new approach will fare in the long term.

A New Celebration and a Nod to the Past

Salah’s recent “archer” celebration has caught the attention of fans and pundits alike. Inspired by a UFC fighter’s victory gesture, Salah explains, “I think I was watching the UFC – [Alex] Pereira against Israel Adesanya…I like the celebration, that’s why I do it.” The celebration has also been linked to Egypt’s ancient pharaohs, adding a layer of cultural significance that resonates with Salah’s identity.

As Salah continues to write his name into Liverpool’s history books, his journey is far from over. With a renewed focus under Slot and his ever-present goal-scoring threat, Salah remains a pivotal figure at Anfield, embodying the spirit and resilience of Liverpool Football Club.