Liverpool’s £400k-a-week star Mohamed Salah proved he still has the desire as he hit back over claims that he’d settled after securing his record-breaking contract.
The Reds battled to a tight 2-1 victory last night over Ajax, with Salah getting the opener before Mohammed Kudus levelled with a brilliant strike.
Joel Matip popped up with the winner late into the evening as Liverpool bounced back from their opening day disaster against Napoli to gain a crucial three points.
As well as netting the opener, Salah demonstrated his commitment to the collective cause in the second half to dispel the myth that he had indeed ‘cashed out’ hitting back at a certain pundit’s comments.
Mohamed Salah has his first Champions League goal in eight games! ⚽️
Liverpool lead Ajax 1-0!#UCL pic.twitter.com/N5wirVrGKe
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 13, 2022
Salah’s amazing defensive contribution
Watching it live you couldn’t fully appreciate the distance that Salah had covered to ensure that Kudus couldn’t get his shot away. Only on the second viewing do you see the ground made up and the pace shown as well.
It must be said Harvey Elliott does also make up the ground and is only beaten by a yard or two by Salah, who is one of the quickest players around. What makes it incredible is the fact that just after this, Salah is seen roaring forward to join the attack – as he showed off his incredible fitness and desire.
His opening goal also helped halt his worst run of form in a Liverpool shirt since joining in 2017 – he had previously netted seven in 28 games in all competitions, with that stat carrying on from his poor run at the end of last season.
A solid touch and no-nonsense finish was vintage Salah and fans will be pleased to see their star man firing once again. He even managed to notch another personal record; he became Liverpool’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League at Anfield with 15 goals, edging out Steven Gerrard.
https://twitter.com/fcsalah11/status/1569803705695731713?s=20&t=etUThwTV54I_0L09GCEukw
Salah responds to Souness’s criticism
The significance of that moment from Salah last night is important as it dispels the myth that was created by Souness on TalkSport last week that he has potentially lost the fire following his huge contract deal.
Salah’s display was one of a player giving it his all for the cause, and he remains one of their most important players, even after five years at the club.
In fairness to Souness’s comments, he asked the Egyptian to ‘prove him wrong’ and, as great players do, they stepped up to the plate.
It’s part of the reason why this Liverpool team has been so successful in recent years, every player fights for the cause and if they want to return back to that type of form, they will have continue showing the desire they showed last night.
📝 “I hope it’s not a case that he’s signed a contract and got in his armchair.”
😫 “Ozil & Aubameyang at #AFC – that is what happened to them!”
🙏 “Mo Salah, if you are listening, go and prove me wrong please!”
Graeme Souness has a big worry about Mo Salah’s form at #LFC. pic.twitter.com/5STF7dlbpv
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 5, 2022
