Salah Shines in Record-Breaking Display as Van Dijk Hints at Contract Decision While a footballer's true value extends beyond statistics, Mohamed Salah continues to prove why he’s worth every penny to Liverpool. With an assist for Luis Díaz's opener against West Ham on Sunday, Salah has now been directly involved in 45 Premier League goals this season—27 goals and 18 assists—setting a new record for a 38-game campaign. This surpasses previous highs from Thierry Henry in 2002–03 and Erling Haaland two seasons ago. In fact, no player across Europe’s top five leagues has come close to Salah’s attacking output in 2024–25. He is currently 15 goal involvements ahead of any other player. Sunday's performance not only showcased Salah’s brilliance but also underlined the importance of goalkeeper Alisson and captain Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool edge closer to clinching their second Premier League title of the modern era. Though Liverpool have looked to have the title wrapped up for weeks, attention in recent weeks has shifted to the futures of three key players out of contract this summer: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah. While Alexander-Arnold appears bound for Real Madrid, Salah committed his future to the Reds earlier this week—a move that thrilled supporters at Anfield. His performance against West Ham demonstrated why the club was so eager to secure his signature, and why fans greeted him with resounding cheers when his name was read out before kickoff. In the 18th minute, he delivered a sublime assist with the outside of his boot, setting up Díaz’s goal after clever movement from Diogo Jota. “It was a record-breaking assist that helped push Liverpool within six points of the title—their first to be won in front of fans since the COVID-impacted 2020 season,” Salah told Sky Sports post-match. “When we won it, we did so in lockdown. So let’s go for it and win it now.” The match unfolded in three distinct phases: the first belonged to Salah, whose first-half performance lit up the contest. The second phase saw Alisson dominate, with crucial saves that proved decisive. Having missed the defeat at Fulham due to concussion, the Brazilian’s return made a significant difference. Then came Van Dijk’s moment. In his 100th match as Liverpool captain, he rose highest to head home the 89th-minute winner, sealing a vital three points and sending the home crowd—and manager Arne Slot—into raptures. “In matches like these, the big names must step up,” Slot said after the game. “Alisson had his best performance of the season. Virgil delivered the winner, and Mo was back to his best—we saw the Salah from the first half of the season.” With Salah’s future now settled and Alexander-Arnold seemingly departing, attention turns to Van Dijk. After the match, Salah expressed hope that his captain will follow suit. “I’m glad we got mine done before the season ends,” Salah said. “Hopefully Virgil will be next. He can do what he wants, but I’d love to see him stay.” Van Dijk himself offered a subtle hint about his future. “Everyone knows how much I love this club,” he said. “Let’s see what next week looks like.” Asked to clarify Van Dijk’s comment, Slot kept his cards close to his chest: “I think he meant next week’s game against Leicester City,” he said with a smile, drawing laughter from the press room. “Our full focus is on those two wins we still need. That’s what matters now.” While Liverpool were far from flawless against West Ham—who hit the woodwork twice and enjoyed more of the second-half momentum—the win moves them one step closer to the title. Liverpool could clinch the trophy as early as next weekend if Arsenal lose at Ipswich and the Reds defeat Leicester. Otherwise, it could be decided in their next home game against Tottenham. Slot, for his part, is focused only on finishing the job. “Whether we win it here or 50 kilometres away doesn’t matter,” he said. “We just need two more wins.” But with Salah now locked in and Van Dijk potentially next, the future at Anfield looks as promising as the present.