I was watching the Premier League match featuring Liverpool vs. Villa today, observing the sheer excitement—the kind that lifts people out of their seats in anticipation—when Mo Salah gets on the ball. It's a beautiful mix of phenomenal pace, close control, strength, determination, coolness under pressure, and confidence. It's a reminder of what it was like to play on the streets and in parks with abandon, as you took on your mates, dribbling, tricking, scoring; the excitement and joy of being in the moment.
Below, we'll break down his goal in the game from a first-person view to pick up some learning points. First, let's take a look at his football story.
Salah's Football Journey
Mohamed Salah was born on June 15, 1992, in Nagrig, Egypt. He joined the youth academy of El Mokawloon SC, making his senior team debut in 2010 at the age of 17, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent. In 2012, he transferred to Swiss club FC Basel, where he played a pivotal role in securing the Swiss Super League title and was named the league's Player of the Year.
His performances caught the attention of Chelsea FC, leading to a transfer in 2014. However, limited playing time prompted loan moves to Fiorentina and later AS Roma, where he rediscovered his form. His impressive stint at Roma paved the way for a return to the Premier League with Liverpool FC in 2017.
Achievements
At Liverpool, Salah's impact has been legendary.
Premier League Golden Boots: He clinched the award three times—in 2017-18 with a record 32 goals, in 2018-19, and again in 2021-22.
Team Honors: Salah has been instrumental in Liverpool's successes, contributing to their Premier League title in 2019-20, UEFA Champions League victory in 2018-19, FIFA Club World Cup win in 2019, and triumphs in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Individual Accolades: His stellar performances have earned him multiple Player of the Year awards and inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year.
What Players and Managers Say About Him
Ronaldo (Brazilian legend): "Salah is an incredible player with tremendous quality. He looks like Messi."
Jürgen Klopp (Liverpool manager): "Mohamed has the perfect mix of experience and potential... His pace is incredible; he gives us more attacking threat... He is an ambitious player who wants to win and win at the highest level."
Gary Neville (former Manchester United player): "He looked like an absolutely different level... I look at him as an outsider, and I’m thinking that he is an absolute killer on the pitch... being the best player in the world rocks their world."
Alisson Becker (Liverpool goalkeeper): "How do you stop him? It’s tough... He now has incredible self-confidence... Messi is the strongest player I have played against, but now Momo is as feared as the Argentinian."
First-Person View of Salah's Goal vs. Villa
(2m 24s into the video)
83 minutes gone, 1-0 up. Villa have launched a long throw into the box. I’ll stay here on the corner edge of the box; if the ball gets cleared, I can get to it quickly and break. I can feel the defender Tielemans just behind me. Villa’s forward, Torres, chest-controls the ball in the box. He hasn’t got good control. We could nick it. Back up against the defender, anticipate a clearance; I can spin in behind. Yes! We’ve won it. Szoboszlai sees me. Spin out towards the wing and forward fast.
The lofted pass goes above us into space. Sprint forward! The ball's gone too far; Villa defender Carlos is covering and will get there first. Ten yards inside our own half. Slow down now, keep some space. He’s headed it straight at me—unbelievable! React, keep my forehead down to control the direction of the ball and use its pace coming toward me. Connect! Perfect, it’s cleared and behind him. I have all the momentum running forward; I’m past him easily. The crowd roar is like a tidal wave of momentum—exhilarating!
A quick look forward and across. It's all space ahead. Get to the box fast. Push the ball far ahead and run. Approaching the box, need a gentler touch with the laces down and in stride. Nice! The ball is into the box. Defender Konsa is coming across to close; he's their only defender. I can see teammates Diaz and Gakpo arriving at the edge of the box. Option to pass to them is on. Okay, shape my body to pass to them with my left foot. Keep control of the ball, small touches. Hang on, Konsa has backed off toward the line. I'm free to shoot. It’s just the keeper coming out. Keep my chest open to disguise a pass across the six-yard box; hesitate to slow the keeper; done! The keeper has left the near post open. Punch under the ball and keep my foot low to the grass to chip it over any outstretched foot. The ball lifts; it’s too easy. What a nice cheeky finish 😊 Goal!
Skill summary
Salah has Incredible anticipation on the edge of his own box. He knows from experience that he can run in behind and kill opposition for pace. His touch technique running at full pace is wonderful. His cheekiness finish with shaping his body to pass and then delivering a little chip (dink) as we call it, to clear any foot block is beautiful. This is a player with full confidence in how good he is.
Practice
Set up a starting cone 20 yards outside the box. Line up two further cones every 10 yards to the box. On "go," sprint as fast as you can with the ball to the box and shoot when you reach it. You are only allowed to touch the ball in stride, punching it forward with the laces pointed down on the same foot.
Repeat with a defender, one arm’s length behind you at the beginning, chasing you. This will ensure you’re practicing at full speed.
With the ball at your feet, facing forward, practice twisting your hips and chest to disguise a pass to the side, then chip under the ball, lifting it 5 yards against a wall. Repeat on both feet.
One2Pro
The use of video with coach review is fantastic for honing skill and performance. In our One2Pro online coaching app, "techniques of the stars" are broken down step-by-step for our players to follow and practice.
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Be the One!
Aaron Tighe
Founder, One2Pro
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