Mohamed Salah: The Premier League's All-Time Great

Mohamed Salah is poised to depart Liverpool this summer, leaving behind a legacy that positions him among the finest players in Premier League history, with some even arguing he deserves the top spot.

His ranking ahead of legends like Wayne Rooney, Kevin De Bruyne, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Thierry Henry is certainly a point of contention. Supporters of Arsenal and Manchester City may express indignation at the notion of Salah surpassing their club icons, while Manchester United fans may reject the idea that any player outside Old Trafford could eclipse Rooney, Giggs, or Ronaldo.

To be deemed the greatest, a player must achieve remarkable success both individually and with their team over a sustained period. While many players can claim success and longevity, the elite ones elevate their game, serving as the driving force behind their team's triumphs. Salah fulfills these criteria.

When comparing him to Rooney, the former Manchester United and England forward, it is evident that Rooney deserves recognition in any debate about the Premier League's best. Debuting at Everton as a teenager and becoming the world's most expensive teenager upon joining United at 18, Rooney showcased exceptional skills including pace, strength, and the ability to score crucial goals. He is one of only three players to have netted over 200 Premier League goals and won 12 major trophies at United, including five league titles and a Champions League. However, while Rooney was a standout player, Salah has consistently been Liverpool's focal point.

Kevin De Bruyne, a central figure at Manchester City, has also made a significant impact in the Premier League, winning 16 major titles over a decade. He boasts an impressive tally of 119 assists and has scored 72 goals from midfield. Yet, De Bruyne has struggled with fitness, missing nearly 100 matches during his tenure—an aspect that hampers his claim to the top spot.

Ronaldo, too, was a formidable player during his first stint at United, securing numerous honors. However, his goal tally during that period was under 100, and his influence was primarily felt over three seasons, lacking the longevity that Salah has demonstrated.

Thierry Henry, often celebrated as the Premier League's greatest, was a lethal scorer and a key figure in Arsenal's successful era. Despite his impressive goal-per-game ratio, he joined a club that was already thriving. Salah, on the other hand, arrived at Liverpool when the club was in a drought, helping to elevate them to success.

Salah played a pivotal role in Liverpool's 2019 Champions League victory and contributed significantly to their league titles in 2019-20 and 2024-25. He stands alongside club legends such as Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard in the annals of Liverpool history.

With five seasons of scoring 20 or more goals in the Premier League, Salah has proven his consistency, being the only player to win the PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards three times. In summary, Salah has claimed every major club honor and maintained peak performance throughout his nearly nine years at Anfield. As he prepares to exit the Premier League, he will undoubtedly be remembered as one of its greatest players.