Mohamed Salah’s post‑AFCON resurgence — scoring, assisting and winning a penalty while improving defensively — suggests regained sharpness. Punters: his rise in shots, box touches and chance creation makes him a strong anytime-scorer or goal+assist bet in upcoming fixtures, while Liverpool’s improved intensity supports backing home wins and Salah-related markets shortening in the near term.
Mohamed Salah’s Anfield resurgence: goal, assist and a penalty
Mohamed Salah received a standing ovation as he left the field in the 77th minute after a starring display that helped secure Liverpool’s place in the FA Cup last 16. For just the third time in his Liverpool career he scored, provided an assist and won a penalty in a single game — a feat last achieved in December 2018.
Manager praises defensive contribution and intensity
Arne Slot hailed Salah’s influence beyond goals: “It’s very nice to have Mo on the scoresheet again and him having an assist,” Slot said. “What I like the most at the moment is that he’s scoring goals — which is something you can almost expect — but he also helps the team a lot defensively. That is something very positive — what the team also needs — and I think more and more players are now capable of playing at this intensity level every three days.”
From AFCON fallout to a settled return
Salah’s place in the squad was uncertain before AFCON after a heated post-match interview that led to him being omitted from the Champions League trip to Italy. Time away at the tournament allowed tempers to cool. Salah apologised to his team-mates and Slot indicated there was no grudge, resulting in an uneasy but workable truce.
How his role has changed
Earlier in the season, it was Salah’s lack of contribution out of possession that prompted Slot to drop him. Since returning from AFCON Salah has started seven consecutive games, showing a clearer buy-in to the manager’s demands. He’s increasingly contributing defensively, helping Liverpool become more compact and regain intensity.
Stats underline the improvement
Salah’s numbers post-AFCON show measurable change:
- Possessions won: 3.5 per 90 (up from 2.7)
- Touches per 90: 48.8 (down from 50.7) - Box touches per 90: 9.3 (up from 7.4)
- Chances created per 90: 3.0 (up from 2.4)
Against Brighton he created four chances, took five shots (the most on the pitch), completed three of four dribbles and won six out of nine duels. His cushioned pass for Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal was his fourth assist in six games, illustrating a player who is both creating and finishing opportunities.
Output still below his peak, but signs are positive
Despite the uptick, Salah’s goal tally this season remains modest by his standards: seven goals in 27 appearances, two of which were penalties. His current total at this stage of the campaign is his lowest since earlier seasons when he finished with 18 at comparable points (2019‑20, 2022‑23, 2023‑24). Nonetheless, his all-round contributions reveal an adaptation in his game as he approaches his 34th birthday.
Squad evolution and Salah’s future
With new attacking additions such as Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, Liverpool are less dependent on Salah to carry the forward line — a potentially positive development as he ages. His contract, reportedly worth in excess of £400,000 per week, runs until summer 2027, but questions remain over whether he will accept a reduced role beyond that.
What’s at stake for Liverpool
If Liverpool are to salvage a silver lining from a turbulent season they need Salah to remain in this form. His capacity to adapt — contributing defensively while still creating and getting into scoring positions — gives Slot more tactical flexibility and helps the team sustain intensity across a congested schedule.
Betting implications and short-term markets
Salah’s recent spike in shots, box touches and chance creation makes him an attractive option for bettors in short-term markets.
Reasonable bets include:
- Anytime scorer in upcoming home fixtures, given increased box activity.
- Goal+assist or goal involvement markets while his creative output is high.
- Backing Liverpool to win at Anfield as the team’s collective intensity has improved.
Odds on Salah-related markets and Liverpool home wins may shorten if he sustains this level over the next few matches.
Conclusion
Salah’s post-AFCON performances point to a player who has reconciled with his role and adapted his game to meet Slot’s demands. While his scoring rate is down from career peaks, the blend of goals, assists and renewed defensive work suggests he still has plenty to offer — and a meaningful short-term impact for both Liverpool’s results and related betting markets.
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Theathleticuk
