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Today I would like to investigate what I like to call, ‘The Salah effect’. We all know that when Salah came into the league, he took the league by storm. Was known for his rocket left foot and was awarded the PFA POTY in his first season with a whopping 42 G/A in 36 games.
However, I felt as though after his first year his contribution decreased and other players such as Mane and Firmino started to take more load compared to his first season. Why is that? My theory is that no team expected Salah, a Chelsea reject, to have such an instant impact.
However, after his first year in the premier league, a lot of coaches/managers focused on trying to limit him in big games. Going from 42G/A in a single season to 30G/A (while the number is still crazy) is a big jump at the highest level of football.
Many managers, players and ex players have complimented his style of play such as Robert Pires, Eden Hazard, Arsene Wenger and Francesco Totti have praised his ability to assist and score goals.
An example of trying to negate Salah’s impact on the game was Vincent Kompany’s tackle on him in the 18/19 season. This was the season when City and Liverpool were neck and neck for the title and the City legend had to resort to dirty means to try and keep him quite.
Speaks a lot about his ability right? Now I’m going to compare his impact to Bruno Fernandes’s. Bruno Fernandes single handily propelled Manchester United to third position. Before his arrival, Manchester United were in 5th position tied with Spurs and Wolves for points.
Bruno had taken the league by storm. 15G/A in 14 games was an immense return especially from a midfielder. His heroics brought much criticism from rival fans and pundits with names such as Penandes and Penalty Merchant were being heckled at him.
Currently Manchester United sit on the top of the table with 18G/A in 19 games (0 G/A in his last 3) led by him and Paul Pogba. However, this season, he’s had 0 G/A in big games against the ‘Big 6’. As his greatest quality is his ball progression and combined with his risk taking
Ability he is an extremely good play maker and is normally the player who progresses the ball the most in this United side. For instance last year he was able to use his intelligence and quick feet to create a goal for Martial against City.
Now that Pep Guardiola recognised ability to progress the ball and create chances for his team. In the two Manchester Derbies, there was always one player marking him and sometimes he’s not able to operate in space. Which negates his ability in bigger games.
Do you guys agree or do you think I’m reaching?
End of thread, likes and RTs appreciated.
End of thread, likes and RTs appreciated.
@Dheer_UTD RT imo