In this column, we track the best Arab football talents plying their trade in the Premier League and round-up their accomplishments every week.
Leicester star Riyad Mahrez is never far from the headlines after his run of superb form for the Foxes, scoring a goal and providing an assist in Claude Puel’s side’s 4-1 win over West Brom.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah struggled in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Man United at Old Trafford, and Mohamed Elneny shone in Arsenal’s win over Watford.
Here’s a look at how these Arab footballers fared this weekend.
RIYAD MAHREZ – WEST BROM 1-4 LEICESTER
It was another stunning performance from Mahrez as he guided Leicester to a much-needed win over West Brom at the Hawthorns.
The Algerian scored one and provided an assist for Jamie Vardy – showing just why he is an £80 million target for Arsenal and Manchester City this summer.
His pass for Vardy’s strike was a gem. Collecting possession 40-yards out, the 26-year-old dropped a perfectly weighed pass into the path of the Englishman to equalise with an exquisite volley after 21 minutes.
Mahrez is starting to show signs of his class again after a failed attempt to leave the club during the January transfer window.
Rating – 8/10
KEY STATS
Minutes – 87
Goal – 1
Assists – 1
Shots – 3
Shots on target – 1
Key Passes – 2
Passing Accuracy – 88.2%
Touches – 69
Passes – 51
MOHAMED ELNENY – ARSENAL 3-0 WATFORD
A stellar game from the Egyptian.
The 26-year-old was a constant presence in the midfield and appeared everywhere he needed to be in a bid to unlock the Watford attack for team-mates.
Although a pacy Watford midfield dictated proceedings at times, Elneny still pulled the strings in a rare start for Arsene Wenger’s men.
Rating – 7/10
KEY STATS
Minutes – 90
Key Passes – 1
Passing Accuracy – 91.8%
Touches – 80
Passes – 73
Aerials won – 2
Tackles – 2
MOHAMED SALAH – MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 LIVERPOOL
Frustrating performance from a player who had the chance to light it up on the big stage at Old Trafford.
The Egyptian ace was kept quiet by Ashley Young and was dispossessed seven times over the course of the match.
His sole chance of the game was a wild shot over the bar towards the end of the match.
The 25-year-old attacker has been a class act for Klopp’s side, proving he is human after all, in a season where he has netted 33 goals in all competitions.
Rating – 5/10
KEY STATS
Minutes – 90
Shots – 1
Shots on target – 0
Key Passes – 1
Passing Accuracy – 75%
Touches – 42
Passes – 20
Dispossessed – 7
