JAKARTA - The first time Ivica Todorov saw Mohamed Salah playing football, he knew he had found an Egyptian treasure.
It was December 2010. The Serbian-French coach has just taken over the work of club manager Al Mokawloon Al Arab.
At that time he made a coincidence visit to watch the club's junior team on the outskirts of Cairo. This coincidence moment changed Todorov and Salah's life forever.
13 years later, that moment led to a major revision of Liverpool's record book.
Salah's performance that day in the junior team was enough to convince Todorov to bring the 18-year-old to the first team.
The teenager who initially took four hours and five buses to get to the training ground was frustrated goalless and impactless after a disappointing debut of several months in Egypt's top division.
But that's under Todorov, he scored his first senior goal in a 1-1 draw against Al Ahly.
At that time, he scored his signature goal showing a speed to shake to penetrate the opponent's defense.
"After seeing him, I knew he was a rare talent," Todorov recalled as reported by The Sun. "Mo was playing with the junior team when they lost 1-0 to 16 minutes. He participated and scored and provided assists."
'I decided four days after the game to give him a chance to fight Egyptian giant Al Ahly.
The 72-year-old added, "I have the courage to play him and he scored. The rest we all know."
The former coach said he was amazed by Salah. He is proud that the player he has ever educated is now one of the best in the world.
"If I wasn't there to watch a teenage game, he might be playing in Egypt's second division today," Todorov said.
"Salah memang cepat, tetapi perlu untuk mengembangkan penggunaan kecepatannya di lapangan dan kemampuannya untuk mengendalikan gerakannya saat berjalan. Kami bekerja sama untuk mengembangkan kontrolnya terhadap bola dan mencetak gol - tetapi yang pentinggi adalah talentnya."
"During our time together, I encouraged him not to listen to anyone and to use his instincts when he controlled the ball."
"I am proud and happy with what he has done, because he is a great gold player and personal," said Todorov again.
Salah only remained in his homeland until 2012 before moving to Europe. Swiss Basel club became the first before Salah moved to Chelsea in 2014.
Liverpool then bought it with an initial discount of 34.3 million from AS Roma in June 2017. Since then, he has surpassed Robbie Fowler to become the club's top scorer in the Premier League.
Last July, the 30-year-old signed a new three-season contract for a fee of around 400,000 pounds per week.
The contract could keep him at Anfield until 2025.
"At Liverpool there is everything to be happy, a great team with great coaches who trust him. I hope he can win the Ballon d'Or to crown his career," said Todorov.
"If Liverpool sign three or four top players, he can win the Ballon d'Or with the team," he concluded.
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