Mohamed Salah, often hailed as one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, has received praise from club legends like Steven Gerrard. However, former captain Graeme Souness has voiced a much harsher opinion, labeling the Egyptian winger as the most selfish player he’s ever seen.
Salah’s Legacy and Impact:
Now 33, Salah continues to be a key figure for Liverpool under new manager Arne Slot. The “Egyptian King” is the fifth-highest scorer in Premier League history and remains Liverpool’s top Premier League goal scorer. Since joining from Roma in 2017, he has consistently delivered top performances and earned immense admiration from fans and club legends.
Steven Gerrard once said fans will appreciate Salah even more once he leaves, showing just how valued he is.
Souness’ Criticism:
In contrast, Graeme Souness—who made 359 appearances for Liverpool—criticized Salah during an episode of William Hill’s Three Up Front podcast. His comments followed a sideline argument between Salah and Jurgen Klopp last season during a match against West Ham.
Souness claimed Salah was angry about being subbed on with only 10 minutes left and called him “extremely selfish,” adding that even in the past, Salah never seemed happy to be taken off, no matter the circumstances. He said, “That’s what you want from a goalscorer, but Salah takes it to another level.”
He also referenced Salah’s past tensions with former teammate Sadio Mané as proof of his ego-driven style.
In his column for The Times, Souness added, “He’s as greedy a player as I’ve ever seen. All the greats are a bit selfish, but Salah is on another level.”
Further Doubts from Souness:
Souness also questioned Salah’s willingness to physically engage, claiming the forward shies away when matches get rough. Citing a previous clash with Lisandro Martínez, he said Salah “disappeared” for the rest of the game after an early challenge, adding, “He doesn’t like that side of football. He won’t put himself in harm’s way.”
A Contrast in Styles:
Souness, known for his toughness in midfield, clearly values grit and aggression, while Salah is celebrated for finesse and flair—highlighting the stark difference in their footballing mindsets.
Salah’s Achievements So Far:
Since joining for £36.5 million from AS Roma, Salah has become arguably Jurgen Klopp’s best signing. He holds records for goals in a single Premier League season and has a strong assist record as well—proving he’s more than just a goal machine.
With a new contract secured through the 2024/25 season and another Premier League title under his belt, Salah continues to cement his place among Liverpool’s all-time greats
