Mohamed Salah is drawing comparisons to global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, thanks to his incredible form this season and praise from former Liverpool star Ray Houghton.
At 32, and now playing under new Liverpool manager Arne Slot, Salah’s ability to continue his prolific scoring had been questioned. However, he has silenced all doubters, propelling Liverpool to the top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables.
So far, Salah has tallied an impressive 10 goals and 10 assists in just 17 games across all competitions, including a recent goal and assist in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. Ray Houghton, who won two First Division titles and two FA Cups with Liverpool, was quick to recognize the Egyptian star’s brilliance, likening him to Ronaldo and applauding Salah’s well-rounded contributions on the field.
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“I think the best example is Cristiano Ronaldo,” Houghton shared on talkSPORT. “You look at what Ronaldo has done to keep himself in prime condition. It’s about mentality, living the right way, and applying yourself fully. Mo’s in that category—he loves football, scoring goals, and assisting.”
Houghton praised Salah for evolving his game, noting, “Not only is he scoring, but he’s also creating goals. He’s become an all-round player this season, and I think Liverpool are seeing the best of him both in scoring and assisting.”
The ex-midfielder went on to highlight Salah’s role as “key” to Liverpool’s high-press strategy under Slot, with his tenacity helping them control the game far up the pitch.
Salah’s form highlights Liverpool’s contract challenge
While Houghton’s praise adds to the growing admiration for Salah, it also underscores what Liverpool risk losing if they don’t secure a new contract for their star forward. With Salah’s current deal set to expire at the end of the season, he could negotiate with other clubs from January 1.
Liverpool are determined to extend Salah’s contract, but they face competition, with Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi clubs reportedly interested. In a hopeful sign for Liverpool fans, however, journalist James Pearce suggested that Salah may be inclined to stay at Anfield, adding to the anticipation surrounding his potential contract renewal.
