Mo Salah Says Liverpool Have One of the Best Players in the World Right Now After FA Cup Romp

By Empire of the Kop Staff | February 14, 2026

Liverpool FC delivered a dominant 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield, cruising into the fifth round with a performance brimming with confidence under Arne Slot.[1][2][3] The Reds, eyeing silverware amid a solid but unspectacular league campaign, responded emphatically to last week's loss against Manchester City by dispatching high-quality opposition.[2]

Curtis Jones broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute, producing a lovely finish for his first Liverpool goal in 57 games, capitalizing on sharp interplay to give the hosts the lead at halftime.[1][2] The second half saw Dominik Szoboszlai double the advantage in the 56th minute, surging forward after a sublime cushioned pass from Mohamed Salah and driving a shot past goalkeeper Jason Steele without breaking stride.[1][2] It marked Salah's fourth assist since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.[2][5]

The Egyptian kingpin then sealed the rout in the 68th minute, winning and converting a penalty after being tripped by Pascal Gross, rifling the ball into the roof of the net for his 252nd Liverpool goal.[1][2] This was only his second strike since an incendiary interview late last year, signaling a continued healing process and reintegration, with Anfield rising in a standing ovation as Slot substituted him.[2][4]

Salah, shining brightest, later hailed a teammate as "one of the best players in the world right now", praising their pivotal role in the romp—though specifics on the recipient (amid Szoboszlai's stunner and Jones' breakthrough) underscored Liverpool's depth.[3][4] Rio Ngumoha nearly marked his cameo with a goal, ruled out for offside, as had Cody Gakpo earlier.[2] Unbeaten in 16 of their last 18 games across competitions, Liverpool now eye the FA Cup as their most realistic trophy shot this season.[2]

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