Egypt returns after 28 years with Liverpool’s star Salah

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Mohammed Salah has the ability to light up any team, including Egypt.

The Liverpool striker has been in superb form this season, but playing at the World Cup will be a new experience for him.

Egypt qualified for the tournament for the first time in 28 years, and its chances in Group A against host Russia, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay mainly rest on the 25-year-old Salah’s shoulders.

In last month’s warm-up games, headers proved to be Egypt’s undoing. Salah put Egypt in the lead against Portugal, but Cristiano Ronaldo scored two late goals with his head for the European champions.

In a dour game against Greece, Egypt lost 1-0 after another goal was nodded in.

After scoring more than 40 goals this season with Liverpool, Salah will be looking to continue his prolific form on the biggest stage in Russia.

Salah, the Professional Footballers’ Association player of the year, does not get the same service he enjoys at Anfield with Egypt. But he has shown versatility at Liverpool, changing positions to shake off markers.

Salah’s partners upfront will include Mahmoud Hassan — better known by his nickname Trezeguet — and Mahmoud Abdel-Monaim — also known as Kahrabah. Trezeguet plays for Turkish club Kasimpasa, while Kahrabah plays in Saudi Arabia.

Another attacking option is 21-year-old midfielder Ramadan Sobhi of Stoke City.