2 reasons Paul Onuachu values Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor

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Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has been playing alongside Egypt legend Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor this season.

​The Egyptian winger joined Trabzonspor from Liverpool during the summer transfer window, a deal that shook the whole of Turkey. At the time, the 34-year-old was widely expected to move to Saudi Arabia, but he opted to remain in Europe.

​It was not much of a surprise, though, as he was made the highest-paid player in Turkey, surpassing Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.

Trabzonspor stars Paul Onuachu and Mo Salah
Trabzonspor stars Paul Onuachu and Mo Salah. Photo by IMAGO

​So far, Salah has hit the ground running in Trabzon, contributing ten goals and five assists in 15 appearances.

​He has lifted the team significantly and proven to be a livewire as well as the primary outlet in the Black Sea Storm’s attack.

​Has Salah Stolen Paul Onuachu’s Shine?

​Before this season, Paul Onuachu was Trabzonspor’s main man and talismanic striker. Last season, he registered 26 goals in 36 games, claiming the Süper Lig Golden Boot.

​His brilliance was key to the Black Sea Storm’s third-place finish in the league and their Turkish Cup triumph.

Andri Baldursson of Kasimpasa and Paul Onuachu of Trabzonspor
Andri Baldursson of Kasimpasa and Paul Onuachu of Trabzonspor. Copyright: Imago

​This season, however, Salah has taken that shine and attention away. Although Onuachu is still expected to deliver the goals, Salah has won the full backing of the fans.

​Things have also gone the Egyptian’s way because he has been scoring consistently. Onuachu, on the other hand, has struggled for consistency in front of goal.

​He did not score his first goal of the season until September. In fact, he has managed only three goals in 12 appearances, having also spent significant time on the sidelines due to injuries.

​Most importantly, the arrival and fine start to life of Franculino Djú has not helped Onuachu. Djú has looked sharp since signing from Midtjylland, contributing eight goals and two assists for Trabzonspor this season.

Franculino Dju 9 of Trabzonspor celebrates with teammate.
Franculino Dju 9 of Trabzonspor celebrates with teammate. Copyright: ImagoxSeskimphotox

​What Paul Onuachu Thinks About Mohamed Salah

​Although Mohamed Salah has taken over the spotlight at Trabzonspor, Onuachu has expressed his delight at having the Egyptian as a teammate.

​In a recent interview, the Nigerian striker praised Salah, highlighting his vast experience and quality on the ball.

​”Everyone wants to work with a star the size of Mohamed Salah. He adds so much to us thanks to his experience and quality, and he contributes positively to the development of our team,” Onuachu said.

​The Egyptian is one of the greatest African players to grace the game, while Onuachu remains a proven goalscorer. Trabzonspor fans will be hoping the duo can click and fire the Black Sea Storm to the league title.

<!-- Author Start -->Kelvin Omachonu<!-- Author End -->

Kelvin Omachonu

Sports Writer

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Kelvin Omachonu is a sports writer covering Nigeria, with 6 years in sports media and a Reuters Digital Journalism certification. A bettor for 7 years, he specialises in football and basketball odds and responsible gambling, and has used operators including Bet9ja, SportyBet, Betano and 1xBet.