In the realm of football's interconnected tapestry, certain players carve a unique path by leaving an indelible mark on not just one, but two storied Premier League giants.
As the worlds of Chelsea and Liverpool collide, one name stands out prominently: Victor Moses.
However, he's not alone in this distinction.
Join us in exploring the captivating narrative of two African talents, Mohamed Salah and Moses, who bridged the gap between Chelsea and Liverpool, etching their legacies into both clubs' history.
This is a tale of footballing journeys that transcended boundaries and ignited passion on both sides of the pitch.
African players to play for both Chelsea and Liverpool
Victor Moses
Chelsea
In the 2012-13 season, Victor Moses made a notable move from Wigan to Chelsea. He quickly became a part of Chelsea's lineup, making his debut as a substitute against Queens Park Rangers and impressively netting his first goal in a League Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He continued to shine, particularly in the Champions League, earning recognition as Man of the Match against Manchester United in a thrilling League Cup victory.
He showcased his scoring prowess with his first Premier League goal against Swansea City and a crucial Champions League goal against Shakhtar Donetsk.
He remained a force in the Europa League as well, contributing vital goals against Rubin Kazan and Basel as Chelsea secured a place in the final.
Liverpool
During the 2013-14 season, Victor Moses embarked on a season-long loan to Liverpool, a move that held promise for both player and club.
Making an impactful debut, Moses showcased his scoring ability by finding the back of the net against Swansea City in a 2-2 draw. His goal-scoring prowess was reaffirmed in the FA Cup, as he opened the scoring in a 2-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth in the fourth round.
However, the emergence of Raheem Sterling as a standout performer during that season meant that Moses faced challenges securing regular opportunities under the management of Brendan Rodgers.
Despite his undeniable talent, Moses made 22 appearances for Liverpool, with only nine being starts, reflecting the competitive nature of the squad during that campaign.
Mohamed Salah
Chelsea
Chelsea signed Salah from Basel for around £11 million in January 2014, making him the first Egyptian to join the club. Despite Liverpool's interest and a competing offer, Chelsea secured his signature.
Salah debuted for Chelsea in February, and by March, he scored his first goal in a resounding 6-0 win over Arsenal.
During the subsequent season, Salah's future at Chelsea appeared uncertain due to potential military service in Egypt.
However, he avoided service through discussions with high-ranking officials. Despite a squad number change to 17, Salah saw limited playtime in the 2014-15 season, featuring in a few league and cup matches but failing to score.
He faced criticism from manager José Mourinho after a League Cup match. Mourinho, though, acknowledged Salah's contribution and assured him of a winner's medal despite his eventual loan move to Fiorentina.
Liverpool
Salah's journey at Liverpool has been nothing short of exceptional. Signing in 2017 for a then-club record fee of £36.9 million, he quickly made his mark, setting a new Premier League record with 32 goals in a single 38-game season and helping lead Liverpool to the 2018 UEFA Champions League final.
Alongside Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané, Salah formed a potent attacking trio after Philippe Coutinho's departure. He played a pivotal role in Liverpool's Champions League and Premier League triumphs over the next two seasons, while also adding World Club Cup, FA Cup and League Cup victories to his list of achievements.
🗓️ #OnThisDay in 2017, Mohamed Salah made his Liverpool debut!
🔴 305 appearances
⚽️ 186 goals
🅰️ 74 assists
🏆 Champions League 2019
🏆 European Super Cup 2019
🏆 Club World Cup 2019
🏆 Premier league 2019/20
🏆 League Cup 2022
🏆 FA Cup 2022And the rest is history… 🇪🇬👑 pic.twitter.com/Cbzq34MtTY
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) August 11, 2023
Individually, Salah's accolades are just as remarkable, including multiple PFA Players' Player of the Year awards, three Premier League Golden Boots, and recognition as the Premier League Player of the Season and Premier League Playmaker of the Season.
His impact even extended to international recognition, with third-place finishes in the Best FIFA Men's Player awards of 2018 and 2021.
Salah's excellence was immortalized with the 2018 FIFA Puskás Award for his stunning goal in the Merseyside derby.
In 2023, he reached new heights by becoming Liverpool's all-time top Premier League goalscorer, surpassing Robbie Fowler's illustrious record.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago
