Salah the elite creator: how players evolve over time
Sep 5, 2024
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Mohamed Salah joins Michael Cox, Mark Carey, and Ahmed Walid to discuss his remarkable transformation into a creative force in football. They explore how elite players adapt their style as they age, using Salah's shift from winger to central playmaker as a key example. The conversation highlights the importance of tactical evolution and athletic longevity, emphasizing how players like Ronaldo and Messi have also navigated these changes. Together, they shed light on the delicate balance between physical fitness and strategic intelligence in maintaining top performance.
Mohamed Salah has evolved from a goal-scorer to a creative playmaker, reflecting a significant change in his tactical role within Liverpool.
The podcast discusses the importance of player adaptation as they age, using examples of elite athletes like Ronaldo and Messi.
Deep dives
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Mohamed Salah's Evolution as a Player
Mohamed Salah has undergone a notable evolution in his playing style as he has progressed in his career. Once primarily recognized for his dribbling and goal-scoring abilities, his recent performance reflects a marked increase in creativity and playmaking. His expected assists per 90 minutes climbed significantly last season, demonstrating a shift in his role to a more creative position within Liverpool’s tactical setup. This change has allowed Salah to contribute not just as a goal scorer but also as a key facilitator within the team.
Tactical Changes and Their Effects on Salah's Game
Salah's transformation can also be attributed to Liverpool's tactical adjustments, particularly the integration of players like Trent Alexander-Arnold into more dynamic roles. As these tactical shifts occurred, Salah was often positioned wider and required to hold his position more, leading to increased creative responsibilities rather than solely focusing on scoring. The absence of key teammates, like Jordan Henderson, has further prompted Salah to adapt and assume a more central creative role without compromising his scoring capabilities. This ongoing tactical evolution indicates not only the flexibility of Salah as a player but also the strategic challenges faced by Liverpool.
The Importance of Adaptation in Player Careers
The discussion highlights the essential nature of adaptation for players, particularly forward players as they age and their physical attributes change. Historical examples include superstars like Ronaldo and Messi, who have skillfully transitioned their roles throughout their careers to maintain their top performance levels. The conversation also addresses how players like Steven Gerrard managed to evolve their play despite physical decline, showing that football intelligence and technique can extend career longevity. This adaptability underscores the critical balance between physical capability and tactical awareness in achieving sustained success in professional football.