Didier Drogba's long-lasting record has been beaten by Mohamed Salah in 72 fewer Premier League games, as the Egyptian continues to defy the odds and add to his legacy
Just when you couldn't get Mohamed Salah any better, he clears the odds again and the Egyptian is probably enjoying their best season at Liverpool.
Salah scored twice against Leeds and assisted Joel Matip during Wednesday night's 6-0 loss at Anfield, breaking another Premier League record in doing so.
Egypt may have been heartbroken in the Africa Cup of Nations final a few weeks ago, but Salah has made a comeback in the same way he briefly left Anfield, and is now 19 in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot. With the goal in his name.
Salah has already surpassed many others to claim several Premier League records, but his latest achievement could be one of his proudest stats.
Salah has now contributed to 160 goals in the Premier League, most of which have been at Liverpool before later finding his feet after a brief spell at Chelsea.
Didier Drogba managed a 159-goal contribution during two stages at Stamford Bridge, the previous record held by an African player in the Premier League, making Salah the all-time leading contributor to his continent throughout history.
The speed at which Salah has surpassed it is particularly appalling, as the Egyptian managed it in 72 fewer games than Drogba, an incredible feat previously held by the Chelsea legend.
Drogba will always be regarded as one of the greatest Premier League strikers of all time, and the Ivory Coast international almost single-handedly led Chelsea to their first Champions League title thanks to his heroics against Bayern Munich in the final.
The Ivorian's legacy remains untouched, but the pace at which Salah has overtaken Drogba highlights how dominant he has been since signing for Liverpool in 2017.
Salah has been Liverpool's top scorer over the past four seasons, and it is no coincidence that the Premier League and Champions League followed shortly after his arrival.
Egyptian influence helped Liverpool clinch their sixth European crown, as they narrowly missed Real Madrid in Kiev before the season as Salah walked off the field in tears.
But coming so close was a clear trigger for Salah, and he came back even better, and even faster, the following season, propelling Liverpool to European glory with a 2–0 win against Tottenham in the final.
After Liverpool's long-awaited Premier League title, and the rate at which the Reds are going, they can feel confident about catching Manchester City and doubling down on their recent success.
A 6-0 win against Leeds has put Liverpool within three points of the league leaders, and with the Etihad's visit so far in April, they could have a chance at getting one on their title rivals this season.