Africa's star of the weekend: Mohamed Salah

The weekend's football saw a number of African stars step up to earn important points for their team, none more so than Mohamed Salah! 

Like they do so often in Europe, African footballers once again stole the spotlight overseas over the past few days, but one stood out above all. 

Read: Mbappe makes huge 'demand' to join Real Madrid

That was Egypt's Salah, who stepped up with two late goals to help Liverpool secure a 2-0 win over their bitter Merseyside rivals Everton in a clash not only about points, but also pride, with the Pharaoh's heroics seeing to it that the red side of Merseyside came out of the encounter with the bragging rights once again. 

The three points Jurgen Klopp and his side picked up from their derby-day victory also means that they sit in third place, one point behind Manchester City and Arsenal in what is turning out to be a tightly contested battle for the Premier League title. 

Coming into the game, Salah was already in fine form. He had five goals and four assists to his name in the league prior to kick-off, and with his tally now taken to seven, he is only two goals behind City's Erling Haaland as the race for the EPL's Golden Boot award swings into gear. 

IN the match, Liverpool initially struggled to break down Sean Dyche's side, but received some good fortune when a ball into the box from Luiz Diaz was met by an Evertonian hand. The Reds were subsequently awarded a penalty, and Salah stepped up to slot the ball home in emphatic fashion, showcasing his temperament and his ability to stay unfazed during high-pressure situations.  

Despite the experience that comes with age, the 31-year-old's body continued to show no signs of slowing down when he slotted the ball into the back of the net for the Reds' second goal that stemmed from a blistering counter-attack. 

In the latest transfer window, Liverpool were offered a mouth-watering sum of money for their talisman's services, and many would have felt that was the perfect time for the player and the club to end their partnership.

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad were determined to sign the Egyptian, making a £150 million (R3.4 billion) bid to try and secure his signature. However, the club's hierarchy did not allow themselves to be tempted. 

Now, people who may have thought that Salah was coming of age have been proved wrong as he is showing no signs of stopping or even slowing down.  

The winger has now either scored or assisted in each of his past 13 Premier League appearances at Anfield. According to Opta Sports, only former Newcastle United and Blackburn striker Alan Shearer (runs of 18 and 17) and former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry (17) have ever done so in more consecutive home appearances in the competition.

The brace he secured on Saturday also saw him overtake Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard to take sixth place on Liverpool's prestigious list of all-time top scorers at Anfield. Salah now has 105 home goals for the club, and is just 12 strikes away from surpassing club icon Robbie Fowler.

To top it off, the Egypt international has also been named the PFA Premier League Fans' Player of the Month for September.

Read: Messi opens up on debut MLS season amid play-off frustration

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.