Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given a glowing reference to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah comparing the European Cup-winning forward to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.
The three-time Premier League-winning manager was quick to praise Salah after Liverpool’s FIFA Club World Cup semi-final victory against Monterrey on Wednesday. The Egyptian international provided another sumptuous assist for Naby Keita to cap off a sensational run-of-games following a prolonged ankle injury.
Salah, 27, has found himself back to his devasting best in recent weeks. The former Chelsea star has 13 goals and seven assists this season and became a world champion on Saturday following Liverpool’s victory over Flamengo.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool smiles during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Norwich City at Anfield on August 09, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
In an interview with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, Wenger told beIN Sports of his admiration for Salah and compared the forward’s qualities to that of six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.
”I like his evolution”, Wenger said. “Because he had touches last night of a play-maker.
“He created chances around the box that are exceptional, (there were shades) of Messi in him last night and I like that a guy who can score so many goals also becomes the guy who gives assists.
”That is a complete player. That’s what we all admire and what we want from our players.”
DOHA, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool in action during FIFA Club World Cup Semi-Final match between Monterrey and Liverpool FC at Education City Stadium on December 18, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
What RTK has to say
The 2018 PFA and Football Writer’s Player of the Year has demonstrated yet again that he is not a one-trick pony. After a lingering ankle problem sustained back in October, the shackles are finally off again for Salah who is back to his best.
After totally missing out during both Premier League clashes against Crystal Palace and Everton, Salah was carefully managed before being unleashed by Klopp to wreak havoc upon Europe once again.
Since his return to the starting XI, Salah has four goals in his previous four matches as well as two assists in that period as well.
Wenger’s comments are not prejudged and the comparison represents just how special a player Salah is. The former Roma forward won’t be concerned with individual accolades nor special mentions in 2020.
After adding the FIFA CWC to his already lucrative CV there will be one trophy Salah will be desperate won’t elude him this time come May.