There is no doubt Mohamed Salah has been the best player in the Premier League season. Some would say he is currently the best player in the world and given his performances during the 2017/18 campaign it is difficult to argue against them.
On the Field Success
Following his move from Roma to Liverpool last summer, Salah has been an absolute sensation on the football pitch. He has scored more goals than any other player in the history of the 38 game Premier League and taken his team to the Champions League final.
In addition, Salah has picked up several individual awards including the Premier League Player of the Season, PFA Players’ Player of the Year and PFA Fans’ Player of the Year.
However, while Salah’s impact on the pitch has been tremendous this season, his influence off the pitch has been just as, if not more, important.
Famous Celebration and Chant
As fans may have noticed during Salah’s first season at Liverpool, he often celebrates his goals by performing the Sujood, which involves having the forehead, nose, both hands, knees and all toes touching the ground together.
Salah is a Muslim and fans around Anfield have been heard chanting this season that if Salah was to continue scoring goals, they would convert to Islam. The player was happy to give his consent to the chant and it is seen as an example of inclusivity.
As reported by Press Association Sport, Salah is having a positive impact across Arabic and Muslim communities. A great example is the story of 11-year-old Rawan Zadeh, who is the daughter of a British Iraqi. Salah’s arrival and performances at Liverpool have motivated her to play football.
“My daughter wasn’t a football fan but now she is a fan of Mohamed Salah and his team,” said Rawan’s mum Malath Ali.
“She has changed completely and started playing football as well at school as a result. Now with Salah, she finds the other kids ask her about being a Muslim. It has brought them together a bit more as they are interested to know more.”
“I feel as if he has an influence on the kids.”
Salah a Role Model
It is impossible to underestimate the power of a role model, especially in sport and as Salah’s popularity grows on the football pitch, so does the effect he is having off it.
“He is like an Arab version of Gerrard. He is a great player, well respected, and I think it is great for all Muslims everywhere because it sends out a good message,” said 13-year-old Yousaf Majid, who attends Liverpool Arabic Centre’s Saturday School on Granby Street.
Majid spoke about the bullying he received because of things that have happened around the world and how Salah has made people think and break down boundaries.
To some people, Salah may be just another footballer but to many others, he is a hero, who is changing the world for the better.
source featured image: thetimes.co.uk