Anfield played host to a powerful display of humility, leadership, and footballing intelligence on Saturday night as Liverpool claimed a comfortable 2–0 win over Brighton.
While the result reflected a strong collective effort, it was what happened after the final whistle that truly captured attention — not the goals, but the character on display.
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike, who scored both goals in the victory, surprised fans and analysts alike by handing his Man of the Match award back to Mohamed Salah.
Despite being the match winner, Ekitike insisted the Egyptian forward was the standout performer and deserved the recognition.
In a modern game where individual awards are often fiercely protected, Ekitike’s decision sent waves across the football world and earned widespread praise online.
Speaking moments after the match at Anfield, Ekitike made a striking admission few expected after scoring a brace.
“I’ve officially given the Man of the Match award back to him,” he said. “Even though I scored twice, he was the one who truly deserved it. I think the fans chose the wrong player.”
Ekitike emphasized that while goals decide matches, overall influence defines greatness — and in his view, Salah delivered an exceptional performance.
“He dictated the tempo, created space, pulled defenders out of position, and made the game easier for everyone. This match belonged to him.”
The statement was met with applause from teammates nearby, while Salah appeared visibly taken aback by the gesture.
Although Salah did not score, his impact was evident throughout the match. Statistical analysis and tactical breakdowns supported Ekitike’s view, with Salah earning a 9/10 rating for his display against Brighton.
Operating relentlessly down the right flank, Salah repeatedly unsettled the defense. He created several clear chances, constantly drew multiple defenders, carried the ball progressively into attacking areas, played a decisive role in the buildup to both goals, and maintained intense pressing for the full 90 minutes.
Brighton frequently doubled up on him, a strategy that ultimately backfired by opening space for Ekitike to exploit in front of goal. This was not a quiet performance from Salah, but a commanding one that shaped the entire contest.
Ekitike was also clear that the recognition was not about defensive solidity or midfield control on the night.
“This wasn’t about structure or defenders,” he explained. “It was about one player who made the whole system function.”
By pointing out that it was neither Konaté nor Wirtz, Ekitike highlighted that Salah’s influence extended beyond obvious highlights — it was about intelligence, leadership, and control.
Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool’s attacking approach has evolved, but Salah remains central to everything they do. Slot has allowed Salah greater freedom to move inside, encouraged aggressive overlaps from the right-back, and instructed central attackers to attack the spaces Salah creates.
Saturday’s match perfectly illustrated this approach. Brighton focused heavily on stopping Salah, only to leave themselves exposed elsewhere — a mistake Liverpool punished.
Despite being the match’s decisive scorer, Ekitike’s decision to return the award was widely seen as a sign of maturity and leadership. Former players and pundits praised the moment as a reflection of strong dressing-room unity.
One former Liverpool captain summed it up by saying that true leadership is understanding that football is about influence, not just goals.
Within the club, the gesture reportedly deepened mutual respect among players, especially amid ongoing speculation surrounding Salah’s future.
Salah himself kept his response low-key. Rather than making a public statement, he privately thanked Ekitike and reinforced the importance of collective success.
According to dressing-room sources, Salah simply told his teammates, “We win together — that’s what matters.”
