'Extraordinary' Mo Salah stands tall and irresistible as Liverpool win in Spain

Perhaps the holders of the Liverpool purse strings who currently seem unable to agree a new deal with their striker might want to hurry negotiations along

Liverpool's Mo Salah celebrates scoring their side's third goal. Picture: Isabel Infantes/PA

For a man on the brink of history, Mohamed Salah could afford a wry smile as he pondered whether he would be allowed to hold onto a dramatic opening goal in the Wanda Metropolitano last night. After all, when you are generally considered the world’s current greatest player, you can afford to be relaxed about such matters.

The Egyptian, aiming to become the first ever Liverpool player to score in nine consecutive matches appeared to have done precisely that after just eight minutes only for replays to spark a debate over whether team mate James Milner, or defender Geoffrey Kondogbia, might have contributed a decisive touch.