Mohamed Salah, widely celebrated as the “Egyptian King,” has firmly established himself as one of the most prolific and influential players in Premier League history. His journey from a budding talent to a global football superstar is nothing short of extraordinary. This article delves into Salah’s achievements, examining their significance within the broader context of Premier League history, and comparing them to the feats of other footballing legends.
One of Salah’s most remarkable achievements is setting the record for the most goals in a single Premier League season. Before his arrival, the record stood at 31 goals, a mark shared by Luis Suárez (2013-2014), Cristiano Ronaldo (2007-2008), and Alan Shearer (1995-1996). These players had reached what was considered an almost insurmountable milestone, particularly in a league known for its competitive and physical nature. However, during the 2017-2018 season, Salah exceeded all expectations by scoring 32 goals, setting a new record. What makes this accomplishment even more astounding is that it came in his debut season with Liverpool, after returning to the Premier League following an earlier, less successful stint with Chelsea. Salah’s rapid adaptation to the league and his immediate impact are a testament to his exceptional talent and relentless work ethic. Unlike Ronaldo and Shearer, who operated in more central roles, Salah achieved this feat while playing as a winger, a position traditionally not associated with such high goal-scoring numbers. His versatility and tactical intelligence allowed him to exploit spaces and create goal-scoring opportunities from various positions on the field.
Salah’s redefinition of the winger’s role is further highlighted by his record for the most Premier League goals scored by a winger, a total that, as of 2024, stands at an incredible 149 goals. Before Salah, this record was held by Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 84 goals during his time at Manchester United. Ronaldo’s transformation from a promising young player to a global superstar set a new benchmark for wingers in the league. Yet, Salah has nearly doubled Ronaldo’s tally, further solidifying his status as one of the most lethal attackers in Premier League history. His consistency over multiple seasons and his ability to perform in high-pressure situations have been pivotal to Liverpool’s success, including their triumphant 2019-2020 Premier League title win. Unlike Ronaldo, who eventually transitioned to a more central attacking role, Salah has continued to operate primarily on the wing, making his goal-scoring record even more impressive. His unique combination of pace, dribbling, and finishing skills has made him a constant threat to defenders and a key figure in Liverpool’s attacking strategy.
Another notable record broken by Salah is the most consecutive opening matchdays scored in, a record he set by scoring in five straight opening matchdays as of 2024. This surpassed the previous record held by Teddy Sheringham, who scored in four consecutive opening matchdays. Sheringham was known for his intelligence and positioning, which allowed him to make an immediate impact in games. Salah’s ability to break this record highlights his consistency and readiness to perform at the start of each season. Scoring in consecutive opening matches requires not just skill but also a mentality that ensures preparedness and the ability to deliver from the first whistle. Salah’s early goals often provide Liverpool with the momentum needed to carry them through the crucial opening stages of the league campaign.
Salah’s dominance throughout the 2017-2018 season is further underscored by his record of winning the most Player of the Month awards in a single season, a feat he achieved three times that year. Before Salah, this record was held by Sergio Agüero, who had won the award twice in one season. Agüero, known for his consistent performances for Manchester City, was widely regarded as one of the league’s most reliable strikers. Salah’s ability to surpass Agüero’s record underscores his influence during that season, where he was consistently the best player on the pitch across different months. Winning multiple Player of the Month awards in a single season is a rare achievement, reflecting a player’s ability to maintain high performance levels over an extended period. Salah’s consistency and match-winning performances throughout that season were instrumental in Liverpool’s overall success.
In addition to his individual accolades, Salah also set the record for scoring against the most teams in a single season. During the 2017-2018 campaign, he found the back of the net against 18 different teams, surpassing Robin van Persie’s previous record of 17. Van Persie, known for his technical ability and clinical finishing, was a constant threat to defenses throughout his career. Salah’s achievement of scoring against 18 different teams highlights his adaptability and ability to find scoring opportunities regardless of the opposition’s tactics or defensive setup. This level of versatility is essential for any top striker and demonstrates Salah’s ability to analyze opponents and exploit their weaknesses effectively.
Another testament to Salah’s remarkable consistency is his record for scoring in the most games in a single season. During the 2017-2018 season, Salah scored in 24 different games, surpassing Alan Shearer’s record of 23. Shearer, one of the Premier League’s all-time greats, was known for his consistency and goal-scoring prowess, which made him the league’s top scorer for many years. Salah’s ability to score in 24 different games is a remarkable achievement, showcasing his reliability and importance to Liverpool’s success. Consistency is key to any team’s success, and Salah’s record highlights his ability to perform at a high level week in and week out, providing a constant source of goals for his team.
Efficiency is another crucial attribute of any top striker, and Salah’s record for the fewest minutes needed to reach 50 goals underscores this. Salah reached this milestone in just 5333 minutes, slightly faster than Alan Shearer’s record of 5374 minutes. While the difference may seem marginal, it highlights Salah’s goal-scoring efficiency and his ability to find the back of the net at a rapid pace, even when compared to some of the greatest strikers in the league’s history. Salah’s efficiency in front of goal has been a key factor in Liverpool’s attacking success, as he often converts chances that others might miss.
Salah’s impact as an African player in the Premier League cannot be overstated. He holds the record for the most goals scored in a single season by an African player, with 32 goals in the 2017-2018 season. This achievement broke Didier Drogba’s long-standing record of 29 goals, a significant milestone given Drogba’s reputation as one of the most complete strikers in Premier League history. Drogba, known for his strength, aerial ability, and finishing, was a dominant force in the league for many years. Salah’s ability to surpass Drogba’s record highlights his status as one of the greatest African players of all time. His success has paved the way for future generations of African talent in the Premier League, demonstrating that players from the continent can not only compete but also excel at the highest levels of European football.
Mohamed Salah’s achievements in the Premier League are a testament to his extraordinary talent, dedication, and resilience. His ability to break records previously held by some of the greatest players in the league’s history underscores his status as one of the best players of his generation. Salah has redefined what it means to be a winger in modern football, combining pace, intelligence, and goal-scoring ability in a way that few others have managed. His impact on Liverpool’s success, including their Premier League title win in 2019-2020, cannot be overstated. As Salah continues to add to his legacy, he not only sets new standards for himself but also inspires future generations of footballers, particularly those from Africa, to aim for greatness. His journey is far from over, and the football world will undoubtedly watch with anticipation as Salah continues to break new ground in the Premier League.