Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Today, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson are joined by Ed Aarons from The Guardian to discuss the incredible journey of Mohamed Salah. With the PFA Footballer of the Year awards tonight, Salah's early life and career beginnings are explored in depth. Ed shares his research from travels to Salah's hometown in Egypt, providing unique insights into the challenges Salah faced, including the long commute for training and the support from his family. The episode covers Salah’s initial struggles, his move to Basel, and his eventual breakout that caught the attention of major clubs. Join us to learn how Salah's dedication and hard work paved the way for his renowned career.00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic: Mohamed Salah00:38 Guest Introduction: Ed Aarons00:54 Journey to Egypt: Tracing Salah's Roots01:54 Experiences in Salah's Hometown03:22 Salah's Early Life and Football Beginnings12:39 Challenges and Dedication in Salah's Youth18:40 Salah's Transition to Professional Football21:29 Cultural and Personal Insights on Salah22:11 Salah's Early Professional Struggles23:53 The Turning Point: Mastering the Art of Finishing25:09 Early Career Struggles and Breakthroughs26:33 International Recognition and Olympic Success30:10 The Tragic Event That Changed Everything31:31 The Move to Basel: Trials and Triumphs39:00 Challenges at Chelsea and the Path to Greatness44:26 Liverpool's Perfect Fit: Salah's Rise to Stardom46:25 National Team Challenges and Rivalries49:57 Legacy and Comparisons: The Greatest African Player? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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