In this column, we track the best Arab football talents plying their trade across Europe and round-up their accomplishments every week.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, a constant in this column, outdid himself this week as he absolutely destroyed Watford in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday, scoring four and assisting one.
Meanwhile, Ishak Belfodil had a hand in all three goals as Werder Bremen beat Augsburg 3-1 away in the Bundesliga and Ryad Boudebouz scored for Real Betis against Espanyol in La Liga.
Here’s a look at how these Arab footballers fared this weekend.
MOHAMED SALAH – LIVERPOOL 5-0 WATFORD
The Mohamed – red hot – Salah craze reached fever pitch over the weekend. The Egyptian put in arguably his best performance in his debut season with Liverpool, and considering his form since arriving at Anfield, that’s saying something.
Miguel Britos and the rest of the Watford defence will be haunted by the memory of Salah leaving them with twisted blood and hitting the back of the net four times while also setting Roberto Firmino up on one occasion as well.
Rating – 10/10
KEY STATS
Minutes – 90
Goals – 4
Assists – 1
Shots – 4
Shots on target – 4
Key Passes – 3
Passing Accuracy – 61%
Touches – 56
Passes – 28
Dispossessed – 2
Mohamed Salah
ISHAK BELFODIL – AUGSBURG 1-3 WERDER BREMEN
On loan from Standard Liege, Ishak Belfodil starred for Werder Bremen in what was a commanding display in a victory away to Augsburg.
Two first half goals ended the Algerian’s drought in the Bundesliga dating back to December. Belfodil also provided an assist for Max Kruse that sealed the victory and extended Bremen’s unbeaten run to four games.
Rating – 8/10
KEY STATS
Minutes – 89
Goals – 2
Assists – 1
Shots – 7
Shots on target – 5
Key Passes – 3
Passing Accuracy – 83%
Touches – 55
Passes – 35
Dispossessed – 2
Ishak Belfodil
RYAD BOUDEBOUZ – REAL BETIS 3-0 ESPANYOL
Like Belfodil, Ryad Boudebouz also ended his goal drought over the weekend having not scored since November. The Algerian first provided an assist for Junior Firpo before scoring a fine goal himself in second half.
Having received the ball on the edge of the box, he feinted his way past a couple of defenders before drilling a low effort into the far corner. The 3-0 win for Betis helps further their pursuit of European football.
Rating – 7/10
KEY STATS
Minutes – 80
Goals – 1
Assists – 1
Shots – 2
Shots on target – 2
Key Passes – 3
Passing Accuracy – 77%
Touches – 79
Passes – 65
Dispossessed – 2