Rafa Benitez says Liverpool actually now have a forward who is 'more complete' that Cristiano Ronaldo
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Mohamed Salah has gradually morphed into one of the most legendary players in Premier League history during his time with Liverpool.
The Egyptian arrived from Roma as little more than a promising forward who had failed to make an impression at Chelsea back in 2017.
In the eight years since, Salah has gone on to become one of the best in Liverpool’s history, breaking all kinds of records in the process.
Having delivered to such a staggering degree during his career at Anfield, Salah is often pitted against Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time Premier League stakes.
Although Salah has more goals, more assists and has played in the league for longer than Ronaldo, many would still regard the Portuguese as the superior player.
But according to former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, this is not true.
When asked to pick between the two, Benitez chose Salah.
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Benitez is all set to lead a team of legends in the ‘2025 Icons Match’ in Seoul, South Korea this weekend.
In the run up to the event, which will feature luminaries of the game including former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, Benitez spoke to YouTube channel Shoot For Love.
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As a bit of fun, the Champions League-winning boss was asked to pick between various forwards before deciding on an overall winner.
Salah featured first up against Tottenham Hotspur legend Son Heung-Min.
“No, Salah because he is more consistent.”
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Gerrard was next up in the head to head, having seen off former Liverpool teammate Fernando Torres in the previous round.
“Sorry,” said Benitez, picking Salah.
“You talk about attackers, Salah has been consistent for so many years.”
With Liverpool’s Egyptian King then matched up against Ronaldo, Benitez stayed true to his Liverpool roots.
“At the end I know where this will finish [Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi], so I will go here [with Salah].”
Faced with a final of Messi against Salah, Benitez opted for the Argentine.
We’ll let him off.
Benitez may have chosen Salah over Gerrard in this one, but the former manager’s love for his old captain is clear to see.
Benitez once again picked Gerrard as the best player he’d ever coached, and he’ll have the chance to do so again during the event in Seoul this weekend.
The Scouser has also been doing some media duties ahead of the fixture, including his own video with Shoot For Love where he has to decipher names of his fellow icons teammates through emojis.
It is a super watch, and great to see Gerrard enjoying himself ahead of a long-awaited link-up with Benitez.