Liverpool star Mohamed Salah notably left out William Saliba when asked to name the two toughest defenders he’s faced in the Premier League.
Since his £36.5 million move to Liverpool in the summer of 2017, Salah has cemented his legacy as one of the club’s all-time greats. The Egyptian forward has netted 243 goals in 395 appearances across all competitions for the Reds.
In the 2024/25 season alone, Salah has tallied an impressive 27 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League, helping push Liverpool within just six points of securing the title.
Throughout his career, Salah has come up against many of Europe’s top defenders. Speaking in 2023, he highlighted two who stood out most to him.
As reported by The Echo, Salah told Sky Sports: “There are a few. I’d say (Cesar) Azpilicueta was tough. In the end, he was playing on the right side, but he was always a challenge.
“I played with Ashley (Cole) — oh my god — the way he read the game was unbelievable. I faced him while I was at Basel, and he was just so smart and difficult to beat. Not the tallest, but incredibly sharp. A real professional.”
Salah also mentioned three players he’d love to play alongside.
He said: “(Lionel) Messi or (Cristiano) Ronaldo. If I had to pick one in the Premier League, Kevin (De Bruyne). He’s got incredible vision — I’m sure he could find me anywhere on the pitch. I don’t defend, I’m looking for goals. He’s a great player on a great team. I just focus on my own game.”
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