Pep Lijnders points out Mohamed Salah’s only Liverpool ‘secret’

Pep Lijnders explained the “secret” that helped transform Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah into one of the most important forwards in the world.

Salah has amassed a number of landmarks and accolades since arriving at Anfield in the summer of 2017.

The Egyptian has won the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, as well as claiming the PFA Player of the Year award in 2018 and two Golden Boots.

The 28-year-old has scored 104 goals in 168 games and has already scored 10 goals in 16 games this season.

And Liverpool assistant manager Lijnders pinpointed what places Salah at the top end of strikers in the modern game.

“He is a gifted finisher, his imagination and intuition in these moments are brilliant,” he said.

“The way he can hold the ball in the toughest situations and find a way out and score is what identifies him.

“Many players have it, but not many have it consistently. So you’re one of the best in the world. It’s all about the ‘never give less’ mentality.

“But for me, greater than the achievement of goals is his daily presence in our club. His character is special, he is a true example. There is no greater compliment in life. examples.

“Mo invests a lot of time in his preparations, treats his body well and we have seen him grow as a professional. His ambitions are high but his attitude in training is higher. If there is a secret in life, that would be the one.”

Lijnders also highlighted Salah’s overall contribution, with the player also providing 40 assists during his career at Anfield.

“For us he is much more than a ‘striker’,” he added, speaking to Liverpool’s official matchday schedule. “Our game stimulates this development and imposes in this way because everyone is responsible for everything. It also becomes more and more a ‘point guard’.

“But the most precious characteristic of the stars is that they know what the team is and what makes us reach all these highs.”

Although Salah’s reputation is well established, Liverpool have seen many young players this season take significant steps early in their careers.

Academy graduates Rhys Williams, Neco Williams and Curtis Jones all made their Champions League debuts in recent weeks, and were joined by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in a 1-0 win over Ajax on Tuesday which confirmed qualification. in the round of 16 as group winner.

And Lijnders said: “All of them are in different stages of their development, but they are all building the foundation for a professional career. This is the most important thing.

“When the process is smooth and you have a strong collective idea, it’s much easier for a young player to come and have a consistent good performance. And that’s what happened.

“We’re really happy for all of them – what a dream it was for them. Now they have all their professional lives ahead of them.”