And just like that, one of the greatest Premier League careers enters its final chapter. After nine record-breaking years and 255 goals on Merseyside, Mohamed Salah announced on Tuesday that this will be his last season at Liverpool. Signed from Roma in 2017 initially as a rotation option alongside Sadio Mane, Salah has evolved into one of Liverpool's best-ever players, instrumental in securing eight major trophies, including two league titles.
A Season of Transition and Legacy Discussion
Following a campaign that fell short of his own lofty standards—with just five goals in 22 league games this season—Salah is now poised to seek a new club at the season's end. With his departure confirmed, discussions inevitably shift to his legacy in the English top-flight and his ranking among the pantheon of great players. Does he merit a place in Metro's all-time Premier League XI? Let's delve into the debate.
The Right Wing Conundrum: Salah vs. the Competition
While most positions in an all-time XI are stacked with options, the Premier League presents a sparse shortlist for right-wingers. On the opposite flank, legends like Thierry Henry, Ryan Giggs, Eden Hazard, Robert Pires, and Gareth Bale offer fierce competition. However, on the right wing, Salah faces fewer rivals.
David Beckham is often mentioned for his trophy-laden spell at Manchester United, but the former England captain lacks the cold, hard statistical numbers to rival Salah. Perhaps Salah's only true competition is the man who inherited the number seven shirt from Beckham at United: Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese forward spent six seasons at United in his first spell, scoring 118 goals in 292 games across all competitions. Arriving as a raw youngster from Sporting CP, he departed as the world's most expensive player and a Ballon d'Or winner after helping United secure the double in the 2007/08 season.
Salah's Superior Impact in the Premier League
Despite Ronaldo's legacy as one of football's greatest-ever players, solidified at Real Madrid, Salah's tenure at Liverpool arguably eclipses what the Portuguese achieved at Old Trafford. Even accounting for Salah's longer spell in the English top-flight, his goals, assists, and chances created per 90 minutes all surpass the levels Ronaldo reached during his two stints with the Red Devils.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher emphasized this point in the Daily Telegraph, stating: 'In the pantheon of overseas attacking players to have excelled in England, only Thierry Henry eclipses Salah's output and consistency. While many will argue the merits of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, Gianfranco Zola, Dennis Bergkamp, or Eric Cantona, none produced the same devastating numbers as consistently, season after season, as the Egyptian.'
Carragher added: 'Ronaldo's time at Manchester United, both initially and upon his return, was either side of his absolute, Real Madrid-peak years. Salah edges ahead of him when judging strictly on Premier League performance and impact.'
Is Salah the Premier League's Best-Ever Forward?
When considering forwards as a whole, there's a compelling argument that Salah is the best the league has ever seen. While Alan Shearer, Harry Kane, and Wayne Rooney boast higher goal tallies, Salah's fourth-place standing is more impressive given his role as a wide forward rather than an out-and-out striker.
Thierry Henry's breathtaking ability in Arsene Wenger's Arsenal side made him the league's poster boy in the early 2000s. However, what Salah may lack in swagger, he more than compensates for with ruthless efficiency. In his debut campaign, he scored a remarkable 44 goals in 52 games and has never dipped below 23 goals in all competitions throughout his Liverpool career.
Consistency and Availability: Key Factors
These statistics highlight not only his ridiculous consistency but also his availability: Salah's absence against Brighton last weekend marked just the ninth game missed due to injury in nine years at the club. Combined with his trophy haul, the case for his inclusion is hard to ignore.
The 33-year-old has won every major honor at Liverpool and remains the only player to win both the PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards three times. This achievement is a testament to his enduring excellence.
So, pick all the players you want around him, but in an all-time Premier League XI, the Egyptian King more than deserves his place. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on social media platforms.
