Mohamed Salah scored twice as Trabzonspor beat Basaksehir 2-1 on Sunday, prompting a wave of praise from Turkish media outlets that had previously criticised the former Liverpool winger.
The Egyptian, who left Anfield this summer after nine seasons, also had two goals disallowed during the match. His performance marked a stark contrast to the reception he received following his debut for the club.
From criticism to praise
Salah made his maiden start for Trabzonspor last weekend, coming off the bench in a 1-1 draw at Kasimpasa in the Super Lig. He was then named in the starting XI for the Europa League play-off first leg defeat to Ferencvaros days later.
Following that appearance, Sozcu was brutal in its assessment, stating that "some fans claimed Salah was far from his glory days and that the transfer was a mistake." The same publication had said Salah had made a "disappointing start to the season" and that he had "failed to meet expectations in his first match at the Akyazi Stadium."
Fanatik was also critical, claiming the Egyptian's efforts "weren't enough." Yet many outlets have now performed an astonishing U-turn, praising Salah for his heroics at the weekend.
Outlets lead the praise
Spor Arena was full of plaudits for Salah's performance. The outlet wrote: "Salah, who found the net in the 8th and 48th minutes of the match, played a significant role in Trabzonspor's victory in his third official game."
"Salah's goal, apart from his fantastic left-footed shot, clearly showed he was in the game... The Egyptian star was the most important player in 'keeping the ball on the ground.' The second goal came both from his skill and Muci's mastery of 'ground play.'"
"It was one of the critical moments of the match. Salah, who scored two goals (both disallowed), declared his presence to the team... Peace be upon you."
Sozcu and Canli Yayin
Sozcu said Salah was "the architect of the victory for the Bordeaux-blue team" and that he was "the most effective player."
The report added: "Trabzonspor's Egyptian star Mohamed Salah was the key player in securing the victory for his team in his second league match for the club, scoring two goals. Against Başakşehir, Salah took five shots, four of which were on target, converting two into goals."
"He also led the match in creating six shooting opportunities for his teammates. Furthermore, Salah achieved 68 per cent pass accuracy in the attacking third, succeeding in one out of two crosses and one out of two dribbles."
Canli Yayin titled their piece on Salah: "Trabzonspor secured their first victory: Salah put on a show." They wrote: "Mohamed Salah led the way in victory. Salah scored the winning goals for Trabzonspor."
"The Egyptian star netted his second goal in the 8th and 48th minutes, securing the three points for his team. These were also Salah's first goals in his Trabzonspor career."
Fanatik's effusive tribute
Fanatik was effusive in its praise for the former Liverpool man. It said: "The Egyptian world star managed to score two goals in the first 50 minutes. His second goal, in particular, reeked of Liverpool."
"The summary of the match was Salah's night. The star player scored, provided assists, played, created opportunities, and was the architect of the victory... Some matches are not defined by numbers, but by great players. And that great star was, of course, Salah."
"Statistics alone are insufficient to describe what Salah brings to Trabzonspor. Because with him, the expectations of the fans, the courage of his teammates, and the rhythm of the game all change."
"Salah elevated Trabzonspor's game, which had at times become ordinary, from mediocrity. That's what a great player is; he takes responsibility when the team needs him and solves the problem. Salah, on the other hand, is writing a different story. Some players don't just fit into the system; they elevate the system and the team's level."
