Former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was the hero for Trabzonspor on Sunday
TRABZON, TURKIYE - AUGUST 23 : Mohamed Salah of Trabzonspor in action during the Turkish Super Lig match between Trabzonspor and Istanbul Basaksehir at Papara Park in Trabzon, Turkiye on August 23, 2026. (Photo by Hakan Burak Altunoz/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah was the hero for his new club on Sunday(Image: Hakan Burak Altunoz/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Mohamed Salah looks to have won over the media in Turkey after hitting a brace for new club Trabzonspor on Sunday. The former Liverpool star, who left Anfield this summer after nine seasons, rolled back the years as he steered his side to a 2-1 win over Basaksehir.
The winger also had two goals disallowed in a memorable performance. The media love-in is a far cry from their position on Salah following his debut for the club.
The Reds' legend made his maiden start for his new club last weekend, coming off the bench in a 1-1 draw at Kasimpasa in the Super Lig. He was then plunged into the first XI for Europa League play-off first leg defeat to Ferencvaros days later.
Following that appearance, the Sozcu was brutal in its assessment, stating that "some fans claimed Salah was far from his glory days and that the transfer was a mistake." The same publication had said Salah had made a "disappointing start to the season" and that he had "failed to meet expectations in his first match at the Akyazi Stadium."
Fanatik was also critical, claiming the Egyptian efforts "weren't enough." Yet many outlets have now performed an astonishing U-turn, praising Salah for his heroics at the weekend. The ECHO takes a closer look.
Spor Arena
Spor Arena was full of plaudits for Salah's performance. The outlet wrote: "Salah, who found the net in the 8th and 48th minutes of the match, played a significant role in Trabzonspor's victory in his third official game.
"Salah's goal, apart from his fantastic left-footed shot, clearly showed he was in the game... The Egyptian star was the most important player in ‘keeping the ball on the ground.’ The second goal came both from his skill and Muci's mastery of "ground play.
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"It was one of the critical moments of the match. Salah, who scored two goals (both disallowed), declared his presence to the team... Peace be upon you."
Sozcu
Sozcu said Salah was "the architect of the victory for the Bordeaux-blue team" and that he was "the most effective player."
The report added: "Trabzonspor's Egyptian star Mohamed Salah was the key player in securing the victory for his team in his second league match for the club, scoring two goals. Against Başakşehir, Salah took five shots, four of which were on target, converting two into goals.
Mohamed Salah of Trabzonspor celebrates after scoring a goal during the Turkish Super Lig week 2 football match between Trabzonspor and Istanbul Basaksehir at Papara Park in Trabzon, Turkiye on August 23, 2026. (Photo by Hakan Burak Altunoz/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah celebrates for Trabzonspor(Image: Hakan Burak Altunoz/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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"He also led the match in creating six shooting opportunities for his teammates. Furthermore, Salah achieved 68 per cent pass accuracy in the attacking third, succeeding in one out of two crosses and one out of two dribbles."
Canli Yayin
The outlet titled their piece on Salah: "Trabzonspor secured their first victory: Salah put on a show." They wrote: "Mohamed Salah led the way in victory. Salah scored the winning goals for Trabzonspor.
"The Egyptian star netted his second goal in the 8th and 48th minutes, securing the three points for his team. These were also Salah's first goals in his Trabzonspor career."
Fanatik
Fanatik was effusive in its praise for the former Liverpool man. It said: "The Egyptian world star managed to score two goals in the first 50 minutes. His second goal, in particular, reeked of Liverpool.
"The summary of the match was Salah's night. The star player scored, provided assists, played, created opportunities, and was the architect of the victory... Some matches are not defined by numbers, but by great players. And that great star was, of course, Salah.
Trabzonspor's Mohamed Salah celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal during the Turkish Super Lig week 2 match between Trabzonspor and Istanbul Basaksehir at Papara Park in Trabzon
Salah was the star of the show on Sunday(Image: Hamza Onder Kuloglu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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"Statistics alone are insufficient to describe what Salah brings to Trabzonspor. Because with him, the expectations of the fans, the courage of his teammates, and the rhythm of the game all change.
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"Salah elevated Trabzonspor's game, which had at times become ordinary, from mediocrity. That's what a great player is; he takes responsibility when the team needs him and solves the problem. Salah, on the other hand, is writing a different story. Some players don't just fit into the system; they elevate the system and the team's level."