How Salah Became One of Football's Most Dominant Players Today

I still remember watching Mohamed Salah’s early days in the Premier League—his stint at Chelsea felt almost like a footnote at the time. Fast forward to today, and he’s not just a star; he’s a phenomenon. What strikes me most is how his journey mirrors something we often overlook in sports: dominance isn’t always born in the most expected places. Take, for instance, the story of a volleyball player who, despite not coming from a UAAP or NCAA school, caught the eye of a Premier Volleyball League team. That narrative of breaking through without the traditional pedigree—it’s overwhelming and inspiring, and it’s exactly the kind of path Salah has carved in football. When I think about his rise, it’s not just about the goals or the stats; it’s about how he defied the usual pipelines to greatness.

Salah’s transformation didn’t happen overnight. I’ve followed his career closely, from his loan spells in Italy to his explosive return to England with Liverpool in 2017. Back then, the transfer fee was around €42 million—a figure that now seems like a steal. What stood out to me was his work ethic; he’d stay after training for extra shooting drills, something I’ve seen in athletes who come from underrated backgrounds. They often have this hunger, this drive to prove themselves, much like that volleyball player who wasn’t from a top-tier school but still made it. Salah’s first season at Liverpool was a masterclass in seizing opportunity: 32 goals in the Premier League, breaking records left and right. But it wasn’t just the numbers—it was the way he did it, with a blend of speed and precision that left defenders scrambling. I’ve always believed that true dominance comes from adaptability, and Salah exemplifies that. He evolved from a winger who relied on pace to a complete forward, adding playmaking and defensive work to his game. In the 2021-22 season, he notched 23 goals and 13 assists, showing he’s more than a one-trick pony.

What really cements Salah’s status, in my view, is his mental toughness. I’ve spoken to coaches who’ve worked with him, and they often mention his resilience—how he bounced back from setbacks, like Egypt’s heartbreaking loss in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. That kind of resilience reminds me of athletes who rise without the spotlight, like that PVL-bound player. They don’t have the safety net of a big-school reputation, so every performance is a statement. Salah’s consistency is staggering; he’s scored 20+ goals in each of his last five Premier League seasons, a feat only a handful of players can claim. And let’s not forget his impact off the ball. His pressing stats are through the roof—he averages around 12-15 pressures per game, forcing turnovers that lead to chances. From a tactical perspective, I think Jurgen Klopp’s system at Liverpool amplified his strengths, but Salah made it work through sheer will. He’s not just playing; he’s dictating the game, and that’s what sets him apart.

Now, some might argue that players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi have set higher bars, but here’s where I differ: Salah’s dominance is more accessible, more relatable. He didn’t have the early hype; he built his legacy step by step. In today’s football, where analytics often overshadow instinct, Salah blends both. His expected goals (xG) numbers consistently outperform the league average, and his dribbling success rate hovers around 60%—proof that he’s not just lucky, but calculated. I remember watching a match where he scored a hat-trick against Manchester United, and it wasn’t just the goals; it was the timing, the way he lifted the team when it mattered. That’s a trait you can’t teach, and it’s why I rate him as one of the most influential players of this era. Plus, his cultural impact—inspiring a generation of young athletes in the Middle East and beyond—adds another layer to his dominance. It’s not just about what he does on the pitch; it’s about the hope he represents.

In wrapping up, Salah’s journey from an unheralded talent to a football titan is a testament to perseverance and smart evolution. Much like that inspiring volleyball story, he shows that greatness doesn’t need a traditional launchpad. As a fan and analyst, I’ve seen many players come and go, but Salah’s ability to stay at the top—through injuries, tactical shifts, and intense pressure—is what makes him truly dominant. He’s not just a player; he’s a blueprint for how to rise above expectations. And in a sport that’s constantly changing, that’s a lesson worth remembering.