Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has won the PFA Player of the Year award. Here is the story of his remarkable record breaking season.
There was only one credible challenger to Salah for the prestigious Premier League accolade. Usually Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne would have walked the award.
Similarly to how he walked past opponents all season before scoring or playing the ‘killer-pass’. However, no-one particularly expected the newly crowned ‘Egyptian-king’ to have the impact he has.
Salah is leading the golden-boot-battle with Spurs’ Harry Kane chasing dust. Despite sitting third in the league, 31 goals in 33 Premier League games means he could break the scoring record.
In fact he is beating superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as leader in Europe’s top five leagues. Incredibly with an unfathomable seven-goal-lead ahead of Ronaldo.
Rise and rise
Salah had played briefly in the Premier League with Chelsea from 2014-2016. Then Blues’ manager Jose Mourinho could not see the potential. Since then, Mourinho has stated that his former player has become stronger and more clinical.
Stints at Fiorentina and Roma came before the winger’s return to the premiership. Facts like Salah not being a striker, while still achieving a 31-goal-haul helped him attain the award.
An intriguing insight into the scouting of the 25-year-old shows us that Liverpool talent-spotter, Paul Goldrick, was confident of the return that materialised.
"“This guy will score goals, trust us!”(Via: Paul Goldrick – Liverpool’s Italian scout)"
How happy the Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp must be with his star, who ages at just 25 years old. Conveying so in a video message celebrating Salah’s success, Klopp was also focused on the Champions League semi-final against Roma.
"“…now, please grab the trophy and come home – we play on Tuesday! See you then.” – Jurgen Klopp (Via: Daily Mirror)"
Other winners
Also recognised was Manchester City’s champion Leroy Sane. 22-year-old Sane won the Young Player of the Year award. The German’s mesmerisingly fast dribbling and constant end-product was rightly rewarded.
He was named in the PFA team of the Year with teammate De Bruyne. Usually the title-winning team boasts the main honour.
Next: Man City helped by United
Yet the Egyptian was just too consistently impressive. The fortieth winner and only the second African, along with Riyad Mahrez, to win the top prize.
A clearly proud Salah modestly summarised his return to English football, and the obvious respect of his peers:
"“It’s an honour and especially as it’s voted by the players. I am happy and proud,”“I didn’t have my chance at Chelsea. It was clear I would return and show everyone my football. I think I left and came back a different person, man and player.” – Mohamed Salah (Via: BBC)"