Ed Dove, Special to ESPNDec 3, 2024, 04:35 AM
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Mohamed Salah appeared determined, once again, to make the off-field story about him, with the subject of his Liverpool future back on the agenda on Sunday, and his latest goal-scoring display against Manchester City was an ample reminder to potential suitors that he remains one of football's outstanding individuals.
His Egyptian compatriot, Omar Marmoush, meanwhile, served another reminder to why he's primed to establish himself as Salah's successor for the national side, and Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson demonstrated again why he could become Africa's next star attraction in the English Premier League.
Salah's future was among the chief talking points in the build-up to Liverpool's blockbuster against City on Sunday, after his widely reported "I'm probably more out than in" comment in the aftermath of his goal-scoring display against Southampton the previous week.
His behaviour was criticised by some ex-pros and portions of the fanbase, while others sympathised with a player they're desperate to see remain at Anfield beyond the end of his current contract.
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He delivered another decisive performance against City, this time scoring Liverpool's final goal in their 2-0 victory over Pep Guardiola's erratic side, and we were left to wonder whether his post-match comments were Salah ramping up negotiations or evidence of a player resigned to leaving the Reds loved but (in his mind) undervalued by the club's owners.
"Honestly it's in my head," Salah said to Sky Sports after the match. "Until now, this is the last City game I will play for Liverpool, so I was just going to enjoy it. The atmosphere was incredible so I will enjoy every second here. Hopefully we just win the league and will see what will happen."
They were certainly strange comments from a player who, according to reports, is engaging in positive contract talks with the club, particularly with Salah able to open discussions with foreign clubs from Jan. 1.
"It's very special," Salah said.
"I've said before, I don't take it for granted. I'm enjoying every minute here, it feels like home. It's always a special feeling scoring at Anfield and winning games."
Salah had earlier set up the opener with a fine low cross for Cody Gakpo, having been played in by Trent Alexander-Arnold and proving too fast for Manuel Akanji. In 74 matches against the 'top six' in the Premier League, Salah has registered a combined 64 goals and assists, proving himself consistently against the division's finest defences.
John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
In 20 appearances this term, he's had a hand in 24 goals (13 goals, 11 assists), and his consistency makes a mockery of pre-season talk that his star could be waning with the advance of years, and that Liverpool would be a team in transition under Arne Slot.
This was the 36th Premier League game in which Salah has scored and assisted -- nobody has done both in more fixtures -- with the Egyptian equalling a record established by Wayne Rooney. It's worth noting that Salah achieved the record in 276 Premier League outings, while Rooney featured 491 times in the top tier for Everton and Manchester United.
ESPN sources indicated on Monday that Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi had already made contact with Salah's people about a potential summer move to the French capital, while rumours of interest from Saudi Arabia have been circulating for several transfer windows.
If we are witnessing the final throes of Salah as a force in the Premier League, Nicolas Jackson might be primed to replace him as Africa's standout player in the competition.
The Senegal international is enjoying life at Stamford Bridge this season, with his goal in the 3-0 victory vs. Aston Villa on Sunday his eighth in 13 league outings. Only Salah, Erling Haaland and Chris Wood have scored more goals than Jackson in this campaign, with the West African only six strikes from equalling his tally for the entirety of last season.
The 23-year-old, intense and focused, set the tone for the Blues' display, snapping at Villa defenders, chasing down Emiliano Martínez, and relentlessly disrupting the visitors' attempts to settle. This is why Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca resisted calls earlier in the campaign to introduce the more stylish Christopher Nkunku when Jackson reminded of his clumsiness in front of goal.
Jackson's performance, and his transformation from wayward frontman to fearsome line-leader, has drawn attention from Alan Shearer, no less.
"He's very raw and still has a lot of work to do, but I love his attitude in terms of keeping getting in there and making it difficult for defenders," the Premier League's all-time top scorer said on 'The Rest Is Football' podcast on Monday.
"He got another goal and he was a constant threat throughout, and should have had another two or three goals, perhaps. But he keeps getting on in there, and that's what I love about his attitude; he'll get a load more this season because of that attitude."
Nicolas Jackson has had a hand in 11 Chelsea goals in 13 Premier League matches this season. Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Also in the Premier League, Alex Iwobi registered his sixth assist of the season as Fulham held Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 away, capping a fine individual display in which he once again demonstrated his integral role in Marco Silva's side.
Iwobi created two goal-scoring chances, and was arguably unlucky not to have scored when he tested Guglielmo Vicario with an effort that appeared destined for the top corner.
Yoane Wissa also extended his scoring streak as Brentford outclassed Leicester City 4-1 in London. Wissa equalised after 25 minutes -- his eighth goal in 10 games in the top flight -- but German-Nigerian wideman Kevin Schade stole the headlines with a hat-trick that sunk the Foxes.
Egypytian Omar Marmoush starred in the German Bundesliga, scoring twice in another mesmerising display as Eintracht Frankfurt defeated 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 4-0.
Marmoush demonstrated his movement off the ball and finishing ability with a fine left-footed strike to open the scoring, before showcasing a different side for his second goal -- the visitors' third. Picking up the ball just inside Heidenheim's half, dummying then outpacing Patrick Mainka, isolated on the right, Marmoush bore down on goal, opened his body, and sent a sharp finish across the goalkeeper into the far side of the goal.
There were unmistakeable hints of Salah about Marmoush's movement, his single-minded focus on goal, and his composure to beat Kevin Müller with the finish.
Eintracht may struggle to keep their prized asset, who has 13 goals and seven assists in 12 Bundesliga outing this season, with the likes of PSG, Barcelona, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur all reportedly sending scouts to monitor the North African attacker.