Mo Salah’s remarkable form in 2018 was recognised once more last night as the Egyptian was named as the CAF Player of the Year for the second year running, again coming out on top against club mate Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Here we run through his biggest moments of the last 12 months that saw him earn the accolade.
January
Scores from 45 yards against Manchester City in a 4-3 win to end their unbeaten start to the Premier League season. Then nets his 25th goal of the season in all competitions at Huddersfield, which coincidentally was his 25th direct contribution to a league goal in the 2017/18 season.
February
Finds the net in all four of Liverpool’s matches in the month, in the process becoming only the second Reds player to score 20 goals in his first Premier League season for the club.
March
Scores four goals against Watford to move clear at the top of the Premier League scoring charts.
April
Records two goals and an assist across both legs as Liverpool eliminate Manchester City from the Champions League, before scoring twice against former side AS Roma in the semi-final first leg. He also scores his 31st league goal of the season to equal the record for a 38-game season.
May
Claims the record for goals in a 38-game Premier League season as Liverpool finish in the top four for a second successive season. Comes off injured in the Champions League final after just 30 minutes as Liverpool lose to Real Madrid.
June
Misses Egypt’s first game at the World Cup due to his shoulder injury, but returns to score in both of the Pharaohs’ subsequent matches. However, it is not enough as his nation are eliminated at the group stage.
July
Signs a new deal with Liverpool to extend his contract until 2023.
August
Opens his league account for the season after just 19 minutes against West Ham. Provides both assists in Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, before scoring the only goal of the game against Brighton to his side’s 100% start to the season.
September
Scores twice, assists twice and misses two penalties as Egypt beat Niger 6-0 in their AFCON qualifying clash.
October
Scores four goals in five matches for Liverpool. His goal against Huddersfield means that he has scored 50 goals in just 83 matches for English clubs.
November
A last minute winner in their AFCON qualifier against Tunisia puts the Pharaohs level on points with their opponents in Group J. The victory almost certainly guarantees his nation’s participation at AFCON 2019.
December
A hat-trick away to Bournemouth is followed by the winner against Napoli, which ensures Liverpool’s place in the last 16 of the Champions League. Scores in all three of Liverpool’s league matches over the festive period.
What will 2019 bring for the Egyptian King? Back Salah to finish as Premier League Top Scorer once more at odds of 3.85.