Anfield witnessed a striking display of humility, leadership, and footballing intelligence on Saturday night as Liverpool secured a convincing 2–0 victory over Brighton.
While the scoreline reflected a solid team performance, it was the moment after the final whistle — not the goals themselves — that truly captured attention.
Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s match winner after scoring both goals, stunned supporters and pundits alike by handing his Man of the Match award to Mohamed Salah.
Despite his decisive brace, Ekitike insisted the Egyptian forward was the real standout and most deserving of the honour.
In an era where individual accolades are closely guarded, Ekitike’s gesture rippled across the football world, drawing widespread praise and admiration online.
Speaking shortly after the match, the striker delivered an unexpected and refreshingly honest assessment.
“I officially gave the Man of the Match award back to him,” Ekitike said. “I scored twice, but he was the one who truly deserved it. I think the fans picked the wrong player.”
Ekitike explained that while goals settle matches, true excellence is defined by overall influence — and, in his eyes, Salah controlled the game.
“He set the rhythm, created space, dragged defenders out of position, and made everything easier for us. This game was his.”
Teammates nearby applauded the statement, while Salah appeared genuinely surprised by the recognition.
Although Salah did not get on the scoresheet, his influence was undeniable. Match data and tactical analysis supported Ekitike’s view, with Salah earning a 9/10 performance rating against Brighton.
Operating tirelessly down the right side, he consistently unsettled the defence. Salah created multiple clear chances, attracted double marking, advanced the ball into dangerous areas, played a key role in the buildup to both goals, and pressed relentlessly for the full 90 minutes.
Brighton’s attempts to contain him by committing extra defenders ultimately worked against them, leaving Ekitike with the space he needed to strike. This was far from a quiet outing for Salah — it was a commanding performance that shaped the entire contest.
Ekitike was keen to stress that the recognition had nothing to do with defensive organisation or midfield dominance.
“This wasn’t about structure or defenders,” he said. “It was about one player who made the whole system work.”
By clarifying that it wasn’t Konaté or Wirtz, Ekitike highlighted that Salah’s impact went beyond highlight moments — it was rooted in intelligence, leadership, and control.
Under new head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool’s attacking style has evolved, but Salah remains the focal point. Slot has granted him greater freedom to drift inside, encouraged aggressive overlaps from the right-back, and instructed central attackers to exploit the spaces Salah creates.
Saturday’s match perfectly illustrated that philosophy. Brighton focused heavily on containing Salah, only to expose themselves elsewhere — an error Liverpool punished ruthlessly.
Despite being the match’s decisive scorer, Ekitike’s decision to return the award was widely praised as a sign of maturity and strong character. Former players and pundits described it as evidence of unity and selflessness within the squad.
One former Liverpool captain summed it up simply: true leadership is measured by influence, not just goals.
Inside the club, the gesture reportedly strengthened mutual respect among the players, particularly amid ongoing speculation about Salah’s future.
Salah himself kept his response understated. Rather than addressing it publicly, he thanked Ekitike privately and reiterated the importance of collective success.
According to dressing-room sources, his message to teammates was simple:
“We win together — that’s what matters
