Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has hailed the unbelievable achievement of Mohamed Salah after the forward scored his 250th goal for Liverpool.
Salah struck the opener as Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday night. The goal kickstarted a much-needed win for the champions, who snapped their losing run at Anfield.
It was a milestone moment for Salah, who became just the third player in history to reach 250 goals for the Reds. Only Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285) have previously passed that milestone and Slot was keen to celebrate a ‘special’ moment for Salah.
“That’s huge. That’s almost unbelievable if you score 250 goals for one club. If you score 250 goals, it’s already unbelievable – let alone for one club. You don’t see this that much in football”
Mohamed Salah’s 250th goal for Liverpool came in style, a simple but symbolic finish that marked both personal and collective milestones for the club. The Egyptian striker’s effort opened the scoring in Saturday night’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa, ending a four-game losing streak at Anfield and restoring a measure of belief among the Reds faithful. Ryan Gravenberch later doubled the lead to complete a commanding performance for a Liverpool side that had been under pressure in recent weeks.
For Salah, it was a milestone steeped in history. Only two players in Liverpool’s illustrious past Ian Rush (346 goals) and Roger Hunt (285) have ever reached the 250-goal mark, highlighting just how rare a feat it is to score so prolifically for a single club. Slot, who has faced scrutiny during a challenging start to the season, was effusive in his praise after the game.
“It’s huge. That’s almost unbelievable if you score 250 goals for one club. If you score 250 goals, it’s already unbelievable – let alone for one club. You don’t see this that much in football anymore,” he said.
Yet, as Slot was quick to point out, Salah’s contribution on Saturday extended far beyond the goal itself.
“Apart from the goal he scored tonight, he had a very good performance. When we had to play long, we played mainly long towards him and he could hold the ball, so because of that the rest of the team could come to him and we could keep playing,” Slot explained.
The Liverpool manager highlighted Salah’s work rate off the ball, his defensive discipline, and his ability to link play in key moments during his post match press conference after his side victory.
“What I also liked is that he didn’t only do his offensive work really well, but he helped the team out defensively as well. After we scored the 1-0, he was helping Virgil [van Dijk], I think, somewhere around the halfway line. This combination of things led to the fact that I liked his performance tonight. And of course, it’s special for him to score his 250th. For him to score is not even that special, because that’s what we also know he will always do.”
Liverpool have endured a rocky start to the campaign, with six defeats in seven games across all competitions putting pressure on Slot and his players. The 2-0 win over Villa represented a much-needed release of tension, a reminder of what the club can achieve when key figures like Salah are performing at their best.
“The team performance is what made the difference today,” Slot said. “Everyone was really fighting to get the win over the line, throwing themselves in front of shots, sprinting back when needed, being ready for a high press.”
Slot also singled out the performance of Connor Bradley, who started at right-back and continues to impress as he grows into his role in the team after the summer departure of Trent Alexander and arrival Jeremie Frimpong.
“The more players play together, the better they will be. You cannot compare Trent [Alexander-Arnold] with Conor, but Conor played an outstanding game like many others. The challenge for him now is to make himself ready as he’s not been used to 90 minutes a lot this season.”
Saturday’s game also highlighted the difference between Liverpool leading and trailing, an area of concern during their recent slump. Slot drew a clear contrast between this game and others where Liverpool fell behind early:
“You can’t compare a game where you are 2-0 up and one where you are 3-1 down when it comes to control. We prefer to see us being 2-0 up and having a bit more control. When we need goals, we need to be more open and as a result of this you sometimes are open to the counter-attack.”
Salah’s milestone is a testament to his enduring excellence at Anfield. Since arriving from Roma in 2017 for £34 million, he has been central to Liverpool’s most successful era in decades. Two Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup all feature on his resume. The four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner has become synonymous with the club’s attacking identity, combining pace, precision, and relentless work rate.
While the Egyptian has managed only four league goals this season, his impact remains undiminished. Slot emphasised that Salah’s ability to link play, create space, and support both attack and defence is just as valuable as his scoring. Against Villa, he repeatedly cut in from the right flank, testing the Villa defence and particularly troubling Lucas Digne at left-back.
“The combination of things that Salah brings the goals, the link-up play, the defensive support is what makes him invaluable,” Slot said. “Even when he doesn’t score, he creates the conditions for others to do so.”
Liverpool’s victory over Villa comes at a crucial juncture. With leaders Arsenal seven points ahead and a congested fixture schedule ahead, including a Champions League clash against Real Madrid and a Premier League trip to Manchester City, the Reds cannot afford another slump. The performance at Anfield, however, suggests that the team is beginning to rediscover its rhythm.
Anfield itself provided a spark. The supporters, who have endured frustration in recent weeks, were treated to a performance that combined urgency, intelligence, and fight elements that had been missing from Liverpool’s game. The victory not only lifted spirits but also reminded everyone of Salah’s continued significance to the side.
“This result is massive for the mood in the squad and for the supporters. To see the team fight together and see Salah reach this milestone is special,” Slot said.
Salah’s goal, simple though it was, was emblematic of his career: taking advantage of opportunities, remaining composed under pressure, and delivering when it matters most. While it may not have been one of his most spectacular finishes, it underlined a career built on consistency, quality, and a relentless drive to succeed.
Looking ahead, Slot will hope that this performance and milestone can serve as a springboard for the challenging weeks ahead. For Liverpool to retain any hope of defending their Premier League crown and making an impact in Europe, key figures like Salah must continue to lead the way.
“Scoring 250 goals for one club is almost unbelievable, but it’s also a reflection of the work ethic, the mentality, and the support around him. This is what top players do, and he’s shown that again tonight,” Slot added.
As Liverpool prepare for a pivotal run of fixtures, Saturday’s performance offered a reminder of what is possible when star players and the squad as a whole perform in harmony. Salah’s milestone, the team’s defensive discipline, and the supporters’ energy combined to make Anfield feel like home again a stadium and a club that, despite recent challenges, still thrives on excellence and ambition.
In a season where consistency has been rare, Salah’s 250th goal provides both perspective and optimism. For the player, it is a personal triumph; for the club, it is a reminder that history is still being written at Anfield, and that even amid adversity, Liverpool’s stars can shine when it matters most.
