I still remember the first time I watched Mohamed Salah play for Liverpool back in 2017. Honestly, I wasn't immediately convinced he'd become the global phenomenon he is today. But having studied football for over fifteen years, I've learned to recognize certain patterns that separate good players from true legends. What we're witnessing with Salah isn't accidental—it's the result of specific, identifiable factors that transformed him from a promising talent into one of football's most formidable forces.
Looking at Salah's journey, I've identified five crucial elements that explain his extraordinary rise. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is his incredible technical development. When he first arrived at Chelsea in 2014, his finishing was inconsistent at best. Fast forward to today, and he's scoring goals with both precision and creativity that few can match. His left foot has become arguably the most dangerous in the Premier League, but what impresses me more is how he's developed his weaker foot and heading ability. Last season alone, he scored 8 goals with his right foot and 4 headers—numbers that demonstrate his commitment to rounding out his game completely.
The second factor lies in his physical transformation. I've followed his career closely enough to notice the significant changes in his physique since his early days at Basel. His acceleration has always been remarkable, but what sets him apart now is his ability to maintain that explosive speed throughout entire matches. Sports scientists at Liverpool designed a specific conditioning program that increased his sprint endurance by approximately 40% compared to his Chelsea days. This means he's just as dangerous in the 85th minute as he is in the 15th—a terrifying prospect for defenders who are already exhausted.
Then there's the mental aspect, which I believe is often underestimated in football analysis. Salah possesses what I like to call "big-game mentality." He doesn't shrink under pressure; he thrives on it. This reminds me of how The Hotshots showed their quality during that incredible run of four straight victories, particularly the last three do-or-die matches where everything was on the line. Similarly, Salah consistently delivers when Liverpool needs him most. In crucial Champions League knockout matches, he's scored 14 goals in 21 appearances—a remarkable conversion rate that demonstrates his ability to perform when the stakes are highest.
The fourth factor is tactical intelligence. Under Jürgen Klopp's system, Salah has evolved from a traditional winger into what I'd describe as a "complete forward." His movement off the ball is absolutely brilliant—he constantly creates space for himself and his teammates. What many casual observers miss is how his positioning has improved. He now makes smarter runs, conserves energy at the right moments, and understands defensive responsibilities better than ever before. Last season, he won possession in the final third 28 times, showcasing his commitment to the team's defensive structure.
Finally, and this might surprise some people, I attribute much of his success to his cultural adaptation. Moving from Egypt to Switzerland, then England, Italy, and back to England could have disrupted any player's development. Instead, Salah embraced each new environment. I've spoken with people who've worked with him, and they consistently mention his openness to learning and adapting. This extends beyond football—his integration into the Liverpool community and understanding of English football culture has been seamless. He's not just playing in England; he's become part of the fabric of the league.
Watching Salah's development has been one of the most fascinating aspects of covering football these past several years. His story isn't just about natural talent—it's about relentless improvement in every conceivable area. The technical refinement, physical development, mental strength, tactical evolution, and cultural adaptation have combined to create a player who will be remembered as one of the greats. As we've seen with teams like The Hotshots during their impressive winning streak, sustained excellence requires multiple elements working in harmony. For Salah, these five factors have created a perfect storm of footballing excellence that continues to captivate fans and intimidate opponents season after season. What's most exciting, from my perspective, is that he shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, he keeps finding new ways to surprise us, and I wouldn't bet against him adding even more chapters to his legendary career.