Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah has now netted three goals in the Champions League this season and boasts an impressive 22 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Salah has provided 17 assists, bringing his total goal contributions to 39—the highest of any player in Europe’s top five leagues.
His latest goal helped Liverpool secure a victory over Lille and their place in the Champions League last 16. The goal was a clinical finish, as Salah expertly latched onto Curtis Jones’ exquisite through ball before delicately lifting it over advancing goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
This marked Salah’s 50th European goal for Liverpool, with 44 in the Champions League, five in the Europa League last season, and one during Champions League qualifying. It also extended his record as Liverpool’s all-time leading European scorer. At Anfield alone, Salah has netted 20 Champions League goals, trailing only Sergio Aguero (23 at the Etihad) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (23 at Old Trafford) for goals in the competition at a single venue for an English club.
“Salah always has a smile on his face, but it’s his belief in himself that sets him apart,” former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “That belief makes him incredibly dangerous and reflects the elite mindset of a player of his calibre.”
Salah’s impact at Anfield this season has been phenomenal, with 18 direct goal involvements in 15 appearances (10 goals and eight assists). Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler told Amazon Prime: “He’s a true talisman for Liverpool, a game-winner. He’s comfortable in front of goal and never fazed by missed chances. We know his capabilities, and he consistently delivers.”
Speaking to Amazon Prime, Salah expressed his pride in reaching this milestone: “Hopefully, it’s not the last one, but I’m very proud of it. I wasn’t focused on it before the game.”
At 32 years old, Salah’s long-term future at Liverpool remains a subject of speculation, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. Despite Salah previously stating in December that an agreement was “far away,” former Liverpool forward Luis Garcia believes the uncertainty hasn’t affected him.
“He’s never indicated he wants to leave, and the club hasn’t suggested it either,” Garcia said on Amazon Prime. “He continues to deliver week after week, scoring and assisting. This situation doesn’t seem to be impacting his performances.”