Kostas Tsmikas has given an insight into Mohamed Salah's training regime, which he claims makes the attacker Liverpool’s most important player.
The Egyptian, who turned 33 on Sunday, enjoyed a record-breaking 2024/25 season in which he won both the Premier League's Golden Boot and Playmaker awards. He achieved an astounding 47 goal involvements, the most in a 38-game season, and equalled the highest tally from a 42-match campaign.
For that reason, Tsimikas feels he is worthy of collecting the Ballon d’Or, but could be overlooked due to his “Egyptian passport” and the popularity of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with Greek media, Tsimikas claimed that Salah’s meticulous training and preparation ultimately led Liverpool to a 20th league title.
“We wouldn't have won the championship if it weren't for Salah,” the defender told 24 Sport.
“Age plays no role, Mo shows it, many footballers show it: will is everything. He's the person who works the hardest of all. I know because we go to the gym together. He works out even in the summer, on vacation, even in Mykonos.
“Mo tells me ‘I can't stop training; if I don't go for a day I say it's not possible’. Every year in preparation he works so hard to achieve his goals. This is the most important thing for Mo, he is an example for everyone.
Mohamed Salah and Kostas Tsimikas
Salah and Tsimikas are close friends (Image: Getty Images)
“For me, because we are very close, it is a unique feeling to exchange opinions with him, to receive thoughts or advice from him. It's an example for me to see him at 32 working so much, so hard, after what he has achieved both with the team and in individual awards.
“And he is both very focused and smiling at the same time, a great mix. He's always smiling, but even when he's sad, he doesn't show it to anyone, not even me.
“He is there for everyone, open to everyone, to guide anyone who wants his help. So many goals and so many assists with [Jurgen] Klopp and now with [Arne] Slot, the driving force of the team.”
Salah’s record-breaking season was achieved in a campaign that was dominated by talk of his future. The winger said in November that he was “more out than in” as he moved closer to his contract expiring, but ultimately ended up signing a two-year extension in April.
Mohamed Salah with the Premier League trophy.
It was a record-breaking year for Salah. (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool will hope that, even without the motivation of playing for a new contract, Salah will be able to repeat his peerless levels again next season.
“When he said he felt he was more outside than inside the team, it was true; the chances of him staying were 10-20 percent. It wasn't more,” said Tsimikas, reflecting on Salah’s comments.
“If they didn't give him what he wanted, Mo wouldn't sit back, he would leave. But he wanted to stay because he loves the team, he loves the people.
“He likes it here very much. His family has been here for so many years, it's a difficult step to leave.
“With the season he had, it was only a matter of time before they gave him what he wanted and he stayed. He wouldn't go anywhere else. He signed for another two years, he's the flag of the team, he'll become an even bigger legend.”