Mohamed Salah made an immediate impact on his first Süper Lig start for Trabzonspor, scoring twice to lead the Turkish side to a 2-1 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on Sunday night.
Playing at Papara Park, Salah opened the scoring in the eighth minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box. After Başakşehir equalised through Eldor Shomurodov’s penalty, the Egyptian star restored Trabzonspor’s lead just three minutes into the second half, combining with Ernest Muçi before finishing into the far corner.
Salah even had two more goals ruled out later in the game, but his brace was enough to secure Trabzonspor’s first win of the season and his performance quickly earned praise from those around him.
Chibuike Nwaiwu: “You have to give everything against Salah”
Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu summed up the challenge of facing Salah, stressing that there is little room for error when playing alongside or against a player of his quality.
“I think you have to give everything when playing against Mohamed Salah. Otherwise, he has the quality to take you down,” Nwaiwu said.
The Nigerian defender was also involved in the match from the start, helping Trabzonspor hold on to their narrow lead after Salah’s second goal.
Ernest Muçi: “It is truly an honor to play with him”
Salah’s attacking partner Ernest Muçi also had plenty of praise for the Egyptian, particularly after helping set up his second goal.
Speaking to the press after the match, Muçi said:
“Salah is a very good player. It is truly an honor for us to play with him. Every teammate feels this way.”
Muçi also highlighted the team’s strong chemistry, adding that Trabzonspor started the season with the aim of building on a successful campaign and that the squad’s harmony has been “very good.”
His connection with Salah was on full display for the second goal, as the pair exchanged passes before Salah finished clinically to put Trabzonspor back in front.
Onana: “Salah is very important for us”
Trabzonspor goalkeeper André Onana also highlighted just how important Salah has already become to the team, while stressing the connection between the Egyptian’s happiness and the club’s success.
“Salah is very important for us. We want him to be happy. We already know that once we make him happy, he will make our team happy,” Onana said, reflecting the growing belief within the squad that Salah’s presence can make a major difference for Trabzonspor.
Fatih Tekke: “Salah, he’s something else entirely”
Trabzonspor head coach Fatih Tekke went a step further, praising not only Salah’s impact on the pitch but also his professionalism away from football.
“But Salah, he’s something else entirely,” Tekke said. “I mean, it’s not just inside the pitch; outside the pitch, it’s a completely professional life.”
Tekke also highlighted the significance of having a player of Salah’s stature at Trabzonspor, saying the Egyptian arrived as “one of the world’s biggest stars” and has consistently looked to contribute whenever he has played.
After scoring twice on Sunday, Salah has already made his mark in his new chapter in Turkey; and his teammates and coach clearly believe there is plenty more to come.
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