The ECHO's end-of-season ratings continue with Mohamed Salah, who has once again swept the board with individual honours
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool(Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
It was the first sign something special was brewing for Liverpool under Arne Slot. And, in more ways than one, it set the tone for much of the season that was to follow for Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian had just laid on two goals for Luis Diaz before adding a strike himself as the Reds earned a hugely-impressive 3-0 win at Manchester United in their third Premier League game of the season in early September.
But afterwards, the conversation on the pitch in front of the television cameras concentrated on another matter. "I don't know with which club (I could return to Old Trafford with) but so far my last game with Liverpool," said Salah. "It's not up to me, but nobody talked to me from the club."
The forward, of course, had entered the last 12 months of his current deal and, at the age of 32, was by no means guaranteed to be offered a new one by Liverpool that both parties would find mutually beneficial.
And that narrative would continue, most notably reaching a crescendo at Southampton in November when, after scoring twice to help the Reds come from behind to win 3-2, Salah made clear his desire to stay and expressed frustration at the lack of progress regards contract talks.
A new two-year deal was finally signed in April, by which time Liverpool were on the brink of a remarkable Premier League title triumph in Slot's first season in charge. And much of that was down to the remarkable exploits of Salah who, under the Dutchman, saw his role tweaked slightly with greater concentration on being effective in the final third of the pitch.
It paid off. Salah scored 34 goals and provided 23 assists in 52 games in all competitions, with his record in the Premier League - 38 outings, 29 goals, 18 assists - particularly eyecatching. Those 47 goal contributions are the most by any player in a 38-game Premier League season.
Small wonder, then, that the Egyptian claimed the Premier League Golden Boot - for a record-equalling fourth time - and Playmaker awards, along with being voted Footballer of the Year and in with a strong chance of claiming the Ballon d'Or. That it was all largely achieved amid ongoing speculation over his future makes it even more impressive.
During the season, Salah moved from sixth in Liverpool's all-time scorers list up to third, with only legendary duo Ian Rush and Roger Hunt now ahead of him. Just five players have provided more assists in the club's history, and he is the only Liverpool player ever to score at least 20 goals in eight successive seasons.
The numbers may have slowed down from Salah during the closing weeks, but by then the job was done.
The forward has stated he didn't want his new contract to extend beyond two years, hinting that a career farewell in Saudi Arabia could await in 2027. Until then, though, Liverpool have every reason to continue saluting their Egyptian King. What a footballer. What a season.
Season rating: 10