Liverpool’s Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah, is once again proving why he belongs in the same conversation as football’s greatest players.
His performance against Manchester City, where he scored one goal and assisted another in a commanding 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium, was yet another reminder of his brilliance.
Salah’s blistering run past Nathan Ake and precise finish encapsulated what has been a near-flawless season.
He has consistently been Liverpool’s talisman, stepping up in big moments just as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo did in their prime.
His ability to change games in an instant and his relentless hunger for goals have drawn inevitable comparisons to the two footballing legends.
But just how good has Salah been this season? And does his current form match the individual brilliance we saw from Messi and Ronaldo during their peak years?
Salah’s Season in Numbers
This campaign, Salah has been operating at a level that few in the history of the Premier League have matched. Whether it’s scoring crucial goals, providing assists, or dragging Liverpool to victory single-handedly, his impact has been undeniable.
Goals and Assists
Salah has already been directly involved in over 30 goals this season, a remarkable return for a winger-turned-forward.
His ability to not only find the net but also create for his teammates has added another dimension to his game. His playmaking, which was once considered a secondary skill, has now become a defining feature of his performances.
- Goals per game: Salah’s goal tally is among the best in Europe’s top five leagues.
- Big game impact: He has scored against Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham this season, proving his ability to deliver in high-pressure matches.
- Assists and playmaking: With a significant number of assists to his name, he is no longer just a goal-scorer but also Liverpool’s chief creator.
His numbers this season are reminiscent of peak Ronaldo at Manchester United and early Messi at Barcelona—players who didn’t just score but also dictated the flow of their team’s attack.
Salah vs. Messi and Ronaldo: What Do the Stats Say?
Consistency and Impact on the Team
Messi and Ronaldo’s dominance over world football was built on two things—consistency and match-winning performances. Salah has displayed both qualities this season.
During Ronaldo’s first Ballon d’Or-winning season in 2007/08, he scored 42 goals in all competitions for Manchester United, helping them win the Premier League and Champions League. Similarly, Messi’s breakout 2008/09 season saw him score 38 goals and provide 18 assists, leading Barcelona to a historic treble.
Salah is on course to produce numbers that could rival these legendary campaigns.
While he may not hit the 50+ goals that Messi and Ronaldo regularly achieved during their peak years in Spain, his overall influence on Liverpool’s attack is undeniable.
Goal-Scoring Ability
One of the main reasons Salah is being compared to Messi and Ronaldo is his ability to score from almost any position. Whether it’s cutting in from the right and curling the ball into the far corner—his trademark goal—or poaching in the box, he has mastered the art of finding the net.
Like Ronaldo in his peak years at Real Madrid, Salah has become a ruthless finisher. His ability to score different types of goals—solo efforts, headers, penalties, long-range strikes—mirrors the Portuguese star.
Meanwhile, his dribbling ability and close control resemble aspects of Messi’s game. Though Salah may not match Messi’s otherworldly dribbling skills, his quick feet and ability to weave through defenders make him one of the most dangerous attackers in world football.
Tactical Evolution: A Complete Forward
One of the biggest transformations in Salah’s game has been his evolution from a pure goal scorer to a complete forward.
Earlier in his Liverpool career, he was primarily a direct attacker, relying on pace and movement. Now, he has taken on a more creative role, dropping deeper to link up play and set up teammates. This shift is similar to the transformation Messi underwent in the later stages of his Barcelona career.
- Playmaking ability: Salah now provides assists at a higher rate than ever before.
- Tactical intelligence: He finds pockets of space to influence games beyond just goal-scoring.
- Leadership: With Sadio Mane gone and Roberto Firmino playing a reduced role, Salah has become the leader of Liverpool’s attack.
This shift in playing style puts him in the same category as Messi and Ronaldo—players who could dominate a game without necessarily scoring.
Legacy and the Ballon d’Or Debate
Salah’s current form has reignited the Ballon d’Or debate. While Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the award for over a decade, Salah has long been in contention but has never won it.
If Liverpool wins major silverware this season, especially the Premier League or Champions League, Salah will have a strong case for the award. He has already finished in the top three in previous years, but this season might be his best chance to finally claim the prize.
His longevity at the top level is also worth noting. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, he has maintained an elite standard, similar to how Messi and Ronaldo sustained their dominance over a decade.
Is This Salah’s Greatest Season?
With his breathtaking performances, game-changing moments, and leadership, Salah is having a season for the ages. Whether or not it surpasses the greatest individual campaigns of Messi and Ronaldo remains to be seen, but he is certainly producing numbers and performances worthy of comparison.
What makes Salah’s season even more special is the fact that he is doing it in the Premier League, widely regarded as the most competitive league in the world.
Unlike Messi and Ronaldo, who dominated in La Liga during their peak years, Salah is excelling in a league where teams are more evenly matched and defenses are tougher to break down.
If he continues at this pace, 2023/24 could be remembered as Salah’s season—a campaign that cements his legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation.
Liverpool fans will hope he can maintain this level deep into the season, potentially leading the Reds to glory and etching his name alongside the very best in football history.
