Within hours, if not minutes, the adoration for Mohamed Salah had combined into a massive mass, with each tribute nearly identical to the next. After all, there can be no doubt about Salah’s greatness.
There can be no hesitation in saluting him as a true giant of world football, one of the English game’s most magnificent imports, an Anfield titan, a unique talent. Quite simply, a one-of-a-kind player, a generational genius.
The only issue in celebrating Salah’s nine seasons with Liverpool is coming up with enough superlatives. Even his goodbye announcement on social media was a masterpiece.
What about timing? What’s next for Salah? What’s next for Liverpool? Why?
“This is the first part of my farewell,” he wrote in his statement. And for all he has done for the club, he deserves a long farewell.
Time will tell whether the protracted farewell helps or hinders Liverpool’s season finale, which might yet bring glory or despondency. Perhaps it will be neither.
Arne Slot’s team could have 15 games remaining to play. Will this be a side problem that Slot can do without?
Can Slot count on Salah to be as dedicated as he has been throughout his spectacular Liverpool career before of crucial matches such as the FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City and the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain? My assumption is that Slot can be certain.
Salah could face a similar scenario, but this time in Budapest. But Slot will have to make the decision. Of the numerous questions, the broadest is the most intriguing. Why?
Salah appeared to be returning to form in his most recent game, particularly in the second half against Galatasaray.
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