Jurgen Klopp hailed a ‘world class’ goal from Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian helped Liverpool return to the top of Premier League on Friday thanks to a 3-1 win over Southampton.

Salah’s blistering run and finish in the 80th minute was his 50th goal for Liverpool and it also ended a personal nine-match drought.

After sprinting from deep inside his own half after Liverpool scrambled clear a Southampton corner, Salah cooly side-footed a left-foot shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box to put his team 2-1 up.

During his recent indifferent run of form, the 26-year-old has been criticised for choosing to not pass to his team-mates at decisive moments.

View photos Salah’s 80th-minute strike gave Liverpool a 2-1 lead. (Credit: Getty Images) More

READ: Liverpool come from behind to see off Southampton

As Salah burst forward, he was joined by Roberto Firmino who offered him a pass on his left. He chose to ignore the Brazilian, a decision which paid dividends.

“A fantastic counter-attack,” Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports. “Everybody was probably waiting for the pass to Bobby (Firmino). But I saw it back, he couldn’t pass, Bobby was not at a good angle.

“So go, go, go and then finish it off. World class.”

Although he hadn’t found the back of the net since February 2nd, Salah was adamant he only had one thing on his mind.

When asked if he considered passing, Salah replied: “Not at all! As a striker you need to score always.

“If someone is in a better position I should pass the ball, but I just took my decision to shoot the ball and in the end I scored so I’m happy about it.”

Salah also spoke of his delight to have reached 50 Premier League goals for Liverpool quicker than any other player in the club’s history.

“I think that’s goal number 50 in the Premier League for Liverpool so that’s special …after nine games!

“So I’m very happy, I’m proud to score a goal to help the team that’s the most important thing for us.”

View photos Jordan Henderson scored his first goal of the season to make it 3-1. (Credit: Getty Images) More

Liverpool’s third goal arrived courtesy of club captain Jordan Henderson, who came off the bench to score his first of the season after good work from Firmino.

“It was a big goal, I haven’t got in those positions often this season because I’ve been playing a deeper role,” said Henderson. “But I’ve had conversations with the manager and I felt as if I could affect it a little bit higher up.

“Thankfully I managed to come on and contribute.”

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