Crystal Palace vs Liverpool: Season stats shows why Reds must offer Super Salah new contract

 

Different season, same Mohamed Salah.  

 

The Liverpool forward has kicked off the 2024/25 campaign in ridiculous fashion, scoring six goals and chipping in with five assists across 744 minutes across all competitions.  

 

He’s also broken three records and we’re only just into October.  

 

Salah is the first Liverpool player to score in five consecutive European Cup matches at Anfield. His goal against Bologna in the 2-0 win on matchday two also made him the highest-scoring African in Champions League history. His outrageous finish, which arrowed into the top corner, saw him surpass Didier Drogba.  

 

 

Those who wondered whether his powers might be waning after he looked a little off the pace towards the end of last season after returning from injury are now looking a little foolish for ever doubting the Liverpool No.11.  

 

Despite being deployed in a tweaked role, in a different system under a new manager, Salah is still at his productive best. He leads the way for goals, assists, Expected Goals (3.93), shots (20) and no outfield player for the Reds can better his WhoScored rating of 7.88 in the Premier League.  

 

The former Roma man claimed two assists and a goal in the emphatic 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. In scoring in this game in August, Salah became the first player to score in five straight away appearances against the Red Devils in the Premier League.  

 

He’s also registered two goal involvements in victories against Ipswich Town and Bologna, both were 2-0 wins. The one-time Chelsea player is proving to be the difference-maker and the match-winner for the Reds.  

 

 

Salah is out of contact in the summer and despite making it clear that he wants to say, he hasn’t let the radio silence from the club impact his performances.  

 

Speaking after the win over United, Salah revealed that the Reds hadn’t been in touch with regards to extending his stay on Merseyside.  

 

"I was coming to the game, I was saying, 'look, it could be the last time'," he told Sky Sports.

 

"Nobody in the club talked to me yet about contracts so I was just like, 'OK, I play my last season and see at the end of the season'. I feel I am free to play football - we will see what happens next year." 

 

Others might’ve taken their eye off the ball. Salah has been the definition of consistent for Liverpool over the years and was, once again, the club’s top scorer last term. His output is letting up and he looks fine physically. He’s done more than enough to justify a contract extension. The club’s reluctance to reward him for his performances and commitment reflects poorly on them.  

 

He could’ve felt aggrieved, unloved and unwanted. His performance levels could’ve dropped a little, safe in the knowledge that he could have an awful final season at Anfield and a Saudi Pro League club would still move for him in the summer. There would be no consequences to him downing tools. His Liverpool legacy is already cemented. He’s not just a club legend but a Premier League one.  

 

 

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However, his desire to stay with the Reds is no doubt the driving force in him continuing to thrive to be the best. If he performs well, he could force Liverpool into extending his contract. And whether that happens or not, he’s doing his best to make it a difficult conversation for the 2019/20 Premier League champions.  

 

He’s currently on a run of four matches with a goal involvement for Arne Slot’s side. The chances of this becoming five this weekend is fairly high given Salah has a good record against Crystal Palace. The left-footed right-winger has eight goals and five assists in 12 matches against the Eagles. He also netted in the 2-1 win at Selhurst Park last season.  

 

If he keeps involving himself in key moments, Liverpool are going to cave in and give him a new deal. They simply have to.

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool: Season stats shows why Reds must offer Super Salah new contract