2 weeks Ago
Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have been two of the standout players during the early weeks of the Premier League season. The Egyptian has returned three goals and three assists from Liverpool's opening four matches, while the Norwegian already boasts a lofty lead in the race for the Golden Boot, having scored a whopping nine goals. With the prolific pair in such form, it is no surprise to see Man City and the Reds sitting atop the Premier League table once again.
And after both forwards came in for criticism at points during the second half of last season, it was no coincidence to see both return to top form and lead the way in the Premier League after enjoying a full summer break. After all, the pair had made 99 and 102 appearances respectively for Liverpool and Man City over the past two years, not forgetting a further 15 and 12 outings for Egypt and Norway during the same time-period. While many of their club team-mates and rivals competed at Euro 2024 and the Copa America, the pair had no such international exploits.
Consequently, after a full summer break, they both then enjoyed a full pre-season with Liverpool and Man City. The proof is in the pudding, as they say, as the Premier League witnesses just how deadly the pair can be. But while they are in top form after enjoying the ideal close-season preparations, it cannot be overlooked how a number of stars have endured slow starts to the campaign following extended international participation and subsequent delayed returns to club action.
International football returned again this month, as the pair continued their impressive scoring form. Salah scored in a 4-0 victory over Botswana, while Haaland was on the scoresheet in a 2-1 win over Norway. Yet the pair endured contrasting fortunes on their Premier League returns.
While Pep Guardiola's men would come from behind against Brentford to maintain their 100% winning start to the season thanks to a brace from the Norwegian, the Egyptian struggled as...
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