Mohamed Salah’s Legacy and Criticism
Mohamed Salah is widely recognized as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats. Even at 33, the Egyptian star continues to be a major figure for Arne Slot’s inconsistent Liverpool side, though he’s struggled to remain the Reds’ standout attacking force this season.
Currently the fourth-highest goalscorer in Premier League history, Salah could climb even higher before leaving Anfield — provided he rediscovers his lethal form. Adored by Liverpool supporters and nicknamed the Egyptian King, he’s earned admiration from legends like Steven Gerrard, who once said (via The Daily Mail):
> “We’ll appreciate him even more when he eventually moves on.”
However, not every Liverpool icon shares Gerrard’s sentiment. Former captain Graeme Souness has been far more critical, especially after Salah’s touchline altercation with Jurgen Klopp during a 2023 clash against West Ham.
Souness Slams Salah as ‘Selfish’
Speaking on William Hill’s Three Up Front podcast, Souness accused Salah of arrogance and frustration over being benched for that game, saying:
> “He has a huge opinion of himself… that clash with Klopp was more about Salah’s ego than anything else.”
The Scot went further, labelling Salah the “most selfish player” he’s ever seen:
> “Whenever Klopp takes him off, he’s never happy. Even with Mane, they’d constantly fall out. He’s as greedy a player as I’ve come across — all top players have some of that, but Salah takes it to another level.”
Claims Salah ‘Disappears’ in Tough Games
Souness also questioned Salah’s mentality and physical toughness, suggesting the Egyptian avoids confrontation:
> “When things get physical, Salah disappears. At Old Trafford last season, after Lisandro Martínez went through him early on, he spent the rest of the game looking over his shoulder. He doesn’t like that side of football — he’ll never get himself hurt.”
A fierce competitor himself, Souness’ combative style stands in stark contrast to Salah’s technical and elegant approach to the game.
Salah’s Anfield Legacy
Since joining from AS Roma in 2017 for £36.5 million, Salah has been Liverpool’s most consistent performer and arguably Klopp’s best-ever signing, even ahead of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker.
He shattered records in his debut season, setting the mark for most goals in a single Premier League campaign. Beyond goals, he’s also ranked among the top 10 for all-time Premier League assists — proof he’s far from one-dimensional.
After signing a new deal toward the end of the 2024/25 season, Salah looks set to extend his incredible record and potentially capture another Premier League title.
Mohamed Salah – Career Stats (Liverpool)
Competition Games Goals Assists
Premier League 296 186 89
Champions League 76 45 19
UCL Qualifying 2 1 0
Europa League 9 5 4
Club World Cup 2 0 1
UEFA Super Cup 1 0 0
FA Cup 12 6 1
EFL Cup 13 4 2
Community Shield 4 1 0
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