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Mohamed Salah announced himself in Liverpool’s crucial clash with Chelsea at the weekend in some style, scoring a left-footed thunderbolt that had Kepa Arrizabalaga dancing in the Blues net and, having also scored against Southampton – a strike he celebrated by defiantly tearing off his shirt – before striking and assisting versus FC Porto, the Egyptian looks to be back in business at the perfect time.
The former Roma man established himself in the Reds’ history books last season as he chalked up an incredible 44 goals and 16 assists in just 52 appearances in all competitions but, whilst he has still contributed heavily, his 2018/19 campaign hasn’t been quite so fruitful.
Instead, other players have stepped up when it counts but, now that the dynamic number 11 is back to his 2017/18 ways, these heroes will slip back into the shadows and continue to impress silently while the focus returns to Liverpool’s talisman.
Who, then, are the three players whose excellent exploits will be all but forgotten if Salah finishes the season strongly? Read on to find out…
Joel Matip
The Cameroonian’s solid showings have gone largely unnoticed in no small part thanks to the rave reviews his centre-back partner, Virgil van Dijk, earns week after week, but he has been extremely dependable.
Having spent much of last season as deputy to Dejan Lovren, the former Schalke man has really stepped up this campaign and has established himself as a regular starter alongside Liverpool’s giant Dutchman.
In reality though, the Bochum-born behemoth could score ten goals from central-defence and the focus would still remain on van Dijk for the way he expertly handled that Moussa Sissoko/Heung-min Son situation.
Now that the Egyptian King is back to his very best, Matip has absolutely no chance of receiving the credit he deserves for a fantastic season, with van Dijk likely to scoop any plaudits for Liverpool’s excellent defensive displays when their front three has had an off day.
Jordan Henderson
Boring Jordan Henderson. The England international has played second fiddle to Fabinho, who has been excellent, for much of the season but has been fantastic when called upon. It seems that Jurgen Klopp may have found a new (old) role for the midfielder, now, which could see him score the goals he is clearly capable of.
While Henderson is widely regarded as a bland defensive-mid, though, his contributions – particularly the lung-busting run and finish against Southampton – will go under the radar. The 28-year-old was never going to become Liverpool’s next Steven Gerrard but he is quietly becoming very difficult to replace both on and off the pitch.
Chelsea fans were giving it large at Anfield on Sunday. Watch their afternoon get slowly ruined in the video below…
Sadio Mane
How Mane, who is part of one of the world’s most revered front threes, goes so under the radar is insane. The Senegalese has scored so many crucial goals for Liverpool this campaign, all of which will be overshadowed by Salah’s rocket against Chelsea.
Of course, the Sunday clash was a must-win for Liverpool but, considering the manner in which Manchester City effortlessly dissect their opposition, pretty much every game has been since the Reds surrendered their lead and Mane has struck just when his side needed it most. If not for him, the title race could have a very different look and feel to it by now.
