When a footballing icon like Thierry Henry speaks, the world listens. And when his praise is aimed at another legend in the making—Mohamed Salah—the moment becomes iconic in itself. On Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Henry poured out admiration for the Liverpool star, highlighting not just his goals or assists, but a deeper, often overlooked quality—his ability to adapt and evolve.
Salah, who recently signed a lucrative contract extension with Liverpool until 2027, continues to defy expectations. With 27 goals and 18 assists in the 2024-25 Premier League season, he’s not just scoring—he’s redefining what it means to be valuable in modern football.
So, what makes Mohamed Salah so exceptional? Let’s break it down.
Thierry Henry’s Glowing Praise
“What he did is legendary,” said Thierry Henry. Coming from a Premier League great, this wasn’t just a casual compliment—it was a seal of approval from one of the best strikers football has ever seen. Henry’s tone wasn’t just admiring, it was analytical and deeply respectful of Salah’s craft.
The Context: Salah’s Contract Extension
Just last week, Mohamed Salah ended speculation about his Liverpool future by signing a two-year extension, keeping him at the club until 2027. This decision not only showed his commitment to the club but also re-energized the fan base. With Salah locked in, Liverpool’s attacking future looks as bright as ever.
Numbers That Speak Volumes
Let’s talk stats. In the 2024-25 Premier League season, Salah has:
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27 goals
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18 assists
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Helped Liverpool win 23 league matches
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Positioned Liverpool 13 points clear at the top
That’s not just impressive—it’s elite. These numbers reflect a player who’s not just performing, but dominating.
Adaptability: Salah’s Secret Weapon
Here’s where things get really interesting. According to Henry, Salah’s ability to adapt is what sets him apart. He doesn’t just rely on raw pace or skill—he evolves. Like a chess grandmaster anticipating moves ahead, Salah has reshaped his game to remain effective season after season.
What Sets Salah Apart From His Peers
Many players hit a peak and plateau. Not Salah. Henry noted, “You don’t have a lot of players that want to adapt and change when they are at the top.” Salah is an exception. Whether it’s shifting his position, changing his playstyle, or improving his decision-making, he never stops evolving.
Henry’s Quote: Breaking It Down
Henry emphasized that most players only change when they begin to struggle. Salah, on the other hand, evolved while he was already at his peak. That proactive mindset makes all the difference and keeps him ahead of defenders year after year.
Assists and Goals: The Deadly Combo
Many players are either goal-scorers or playmakers. Salah? He’s both. His 18 assists this season are a career-best and show how unselfish he’s become. When he’s not scoring, he’s setting others up to shine—a true team player.
Why Salah Is Liverpool’s Most Valuable Player
While Henry acknowledged that Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool’s most important player, he clarified that Salah is the most valuable. What does that mean? It means that Salah’s contributions go beyond stats. He changes the tempo of games, lifts teammates, and inspires fans. That’s value you can’t always measure.
The Van Dijk Comparison
Henry’s differentiation between “most important” and “most valuable” is insightful. Van Dijk may be the spine of Liverpool’s defense, but Salah is the heartbeat of the attack. Together, they form the foundation of Liverpool’s dominance—but Salah’s flair and creativity often make the decisive difference.
Arne Slot’s Magic and Salah’s Role
Under Arne Slot’s leadership, Liverpool have been a force this season. But every great manager needs players who can execute the vision. Salah has not just fit into Slot’s system—he’s thrived in it. His versatility has allowed Slot to explore different attacking combinations without losing potency.
How Salah Has Evolved Over the Years
Compare Salah from 2017 to Salah in 2025 and you’ll see a transformation. From being a speedy winger to becoming a complete forward, he’s matured in every aspect—vision, passing, awareness, and even defensive contributions. This evolution is what Henry applauded most.
Mental Strength and Professionalism
Salah’s mental game is just as strong as his physical one. Through contract negotiations, team changes, and shifting roles, he’s remained laser-focused. That consistency requires not just talent, but relentless professionalism—a trait Henry clearly respects.
Salah vs. Other Premier League Greats
How does Salah stack up against legends like Henry, Rooney, or Aguero? Statistically, he’s already among the elite. But it’s his longevity at the top that sets him apart. Few have maintained this level of excellence over so many seasons in the demanding Premier League.
Fan and Media Reactions
Unsurprisingly, fans exploded on social media after Henry’s praise. Phrases like “Salah deserves it” and “Finally getting his flowers” trended on X (formerly Twitter). The media echoed similar sentiments, with many highlighting Henry’s comments as a rare but deserved tribute from one great to another.
What’s Next for Salah?
With his contract sorted and form on fire, the sky is truly the limit. Another Premier League title, perhaps a Champions League run, and possibly more individual accolades. Whatever lies ahead, one thing’s for sure—Salah isn’t done dazzling us yet.
Conclusion
Thierry Henry didn’t just praise Salah—he unpacked what makes the Egyptian King one of the most remarkable players of our time. It’s not just about the goals or assists. It’s about the mindset, the evolution, and the willingness to adapt even when at the top of the game.
In a world full of stars, Mohamed Salah shines with a brilliance that’s hard to ignore. As Henry said, “What he did is legendary”—and it’s safe to say, the legend is still being written.
FAQs
1. What did Thierry Henry say about Mohamed Salah?
Henry praised Salah for his consistency in scoring and assisting, highlighting his adaptability and evolution over the years. He called Salah “the most valuable player.”
2. Why is Mohamed Salah considered so valuable to Liverpool?
Salah contributes both goals and assists at a high level, shows incredible consistency, and adapts his game to stay ahead—all of which make him indispensable.
3. How many goals and assists does Salah have in the 2024-25 season?
As of April 2025, Salah has scored 27 goals and provided 18 assists in the Premier League.
4. What is the difference between ‘most valuable’ and ‘most important’ according to Henry?
Henry believes Van Dijk is most important due to his role in defense, but Salah is the most valuable for his all-around influence on games and consistent contributions.
5. How has Mohamed Salah evolved as a player over the years?
Salah has transitioned from a pace-reliant winger to a complete forward, adding creativity, better decision-making, and even defensive work to his game.
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