Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson is reluctant to draw comparisons between “absolutely unbelievable” Mohamed Salah and former Anfield hero Luis Suarez.
Salah’s four goals in Liverpol’s 5-0 win over Watford took his tally for the season to 36 in all competitions, the highest goal return of any player in Europe’s top five leagues.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp suggested after the Watford win Egypt international Salah is on the way to being compared with five-time world player of the year Lionel Messi.
A more natural comparison is perhaps with Messi’s Barcelona team-mate, former Liverpool forward Suarez. But Liverpool skipper Henderson – who has shared a dressing-room with both men – says both players are different.
“They are both fantastic players in their own right and you can’t compare them,” Henderson said.
“They are different players. I know they score a lot of goals and both work hard off the ball but it is very difficult to make that comparison.
“Luis moved on to Barcelona and is doing fantastically well. He is a fantastic player who I was privileged to play with.
“But Mo this season has been unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable. He is doing it every week, without fail.”The effect Salah has on the team is, however, similar to the one Suarez had when he almost dragged Liverpool over the line in their failed title challenge in 2013-14.
“It’s the confidence,” said Henderson.
“You have someone like Mo who does the hardest part of the game, which is putting the ball in the back of the net.
“Then, as a team, if we work as hard as we possibly can, Mo – or even Sadio (Mane) and Bobby (Roberto Firmino) are going to finish it in the final third.
“We had that with Luis. You know when you are walking out there are so many goals out there for you.
“It’s just about defending well as a team because you know you will create chances.”
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