Jurgen Klopp has been effusive with praise for Mohamed Salah, while speaking with Sky Germany, with the Liverpool boss in absolute awe of his Egyptian wingers’ ‘crazy’ output.
The Reds manager also believes he has performed at a world-class standard for a long time, not just recently. Salah has started the season in sensational style, scoring nine goals in just nine games. He has additionally provided three assists so far, in all competitions.
Salah has even scored in each of his last five Premier League appearances, capped by his sublime mazy run against Manchester City. Putting Liverpool into the lead, before Kevin de Bruyne equalised, by weaving his way through Pep Guardiola’s stumbling defence.
Only Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy has matched Salah’s six Premier League goals so far this season. Liverpool’s star also finished second to Harry Kane for the Golden Boot last term, with one fewer than the Tottenham Hotspur striker’s 23 goals. With Salah ranking in the top-five for top-flight goals each full season since his £34m move from Roma in 2017.
Salah additionally won the Golden Boot in his debut Liverpool season, to show why Klopp believes he has performed at an elite level for more than just the current campaign.
“The numbers he produces are absolutely completely crazy – you just have to say that. It’s madness,” Klopp said. “He is very often available for a winger because he has his body in a top position.
“Constitution holds, which is of course also necessary. And accordingly, he is definitely one of the best players in the world at the moment, no ifs or buts. And not only at the moment, but of course for a long time. He is very happy at the moment, how it works – and so do I.”
Will Salah turn Klopp’s praise into third Golden Boot at Liverpool?
Salah’s scored six goals in seven Premier League games to warrant Klopp’s praise and help Liverpool sit second to Chelsea. He ended his first top-flight season at Anfield with 32 in 36, a similar hit-rate to this term so far. With 0.88 a game in 2017/18 to 0.85 at present.
His efforts that year also returned the Golden Boot, before sharing the award with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2018/19. The Arsenal striker and Liverpool winger each scored 22 times, with Salah’s across 38 appearances.
Salah, Liverpool and likely Klopp will hope he maintains his current form, and potentially secure a third this season. His hit-rate so far this term would be enough if he keeps pace.
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