Transfer story
AS Roma attacking star, Mohamed Salah has had a roller coaster of a footballing career in the last few years. From being sidelined at Chelsea under the reign of Jose Mourinho and then going on to establish himself as a key player for AS Roma following his transfer last summer, the 24-year old has made a remarkable turnaround.
As per latest reports, the Premier League has again come calling it seems, this time in the form of Liverpool. The Reds’ boss Jürgen Klopp is apparently looking to add speed and quality alongside Sadio Mane and is very much inclined in pairing the two up front.
Salah is presently tied to AS Roma till 2019 and with 2 years left on his contract, so the club is not going to be bullied into selling the player at a nominal price. According to tabloid reports, Liverpool’s bid of £28m was been rejected by the Giallorossi as they have set a price tag of £35m on their star winger.
Although primarily a winger, still, Salah has been known to play as a striker and also as a central attacking midfielder and has been more than successful in each of the positions he has been deployed, showing the versatility and adaptability of the individual.
A quality that is certainly laudable.
Player stats
The Egyptian has made 29 first team starts in his 31 appearances for Roma in the 16/17 season. Unstoppable in front of goal, the attacker has chipped in with goals and assists from every position he was deployed at, going on to amass a stunning total of 19 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for the Wolves.
Nothing more to say regarding the player’s skill and ability in front of the goal, Salah has gone from strength to strength to prove many critics and coaches (read Mourinho) wrong. Having an immaculate vision and superb creativity, the player is known for his lethal crosses and eye of the needle through balls to create innumerable chances upfront.
The player’s overall pass success rate of 80.8% and a total of 81 key passes is evidence enough to the player’s quality and impact.
No wonder the player has gone on to establish himself as a fan favourite at the Stadio Olimpico with many in Italian media terming the player as “Egyptian Messi”. (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he bring to the club?
Being serious title contenders early up this past season, the Reds suffered massively in their title chase due to their over-dependence on Sadio Mane up front and faltered many times without his presence.
It’s imperative to take the pressure off Mane but Salah could also assist and help Liverpool in front during Mane’s absence. The Egyptian’s speed, lethality and quick feet upfront can only compliment Mane’s traits and the two could pair up front to be one of the country’s top attacking force.
Worth the money?
Evaluating the qualities and skill set the Egyptian magician has to offer the Reds, all suspicions and questions on the price tag of £35m can safely be termed as clutter. There is no doubt that the 24-year old would be worth each and every penny of the price.
Klopp should go all guns blazing to acquire Mohamed Salah’s service for the upcoming Premier League season.
