Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is currently in the midst of a Premier League season that many would argue is one for the ages. Scoring an impressive 25 goals and providing 16 assists across just 27 appearances, Salah has propelled Arne Slot’s side a remarkable 11 points clear at the top of the table. This performance not only highlights his extraordinary skill but also puts him in elite company among the greats in Premier League history. With 11 games still left to play, he’s already matched or surpassed career figures of players who carved out their legacies long before him.
Let’s take a closer look at some all-time Premier League legends that Salah has already outperformed, and what this means for his growing legacy in the football world.
Robin van Persie
When we think about Sir Alex Ferguson’s last season at Manchester United, one player often stands out: Robin van Persie. He was the linchpin of the team, scoring crucial goals week in and week out, leading to a title victory that was clinched with four matches still left on the calendar. Van Persie finished that 2012-2013 season with 26 goals and nine assists, earning himself the Golden Boot. Salah, however, is just one goal shy of matching that impressive total as we near the end of February, and he has already outstripped Van Persie’s assists tally by seven. That’s simply bonkers! What’s even more astonishing is that Salah has already eclipsed Van Persie’s best single-season performance during his time at Arsenal, where he personally delivered 30 goals and 10 assists while single-handedly steering the team into Champions League qualification.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s 2007-08 season at Manchester United is often heralded as one of the finest in Premier League history—one that saw him secure the Ballon d’Or as he helped his team lift both the Premier League and the Champions League trophies. He scored 31 goals and provided six assists in the league that year. While Salah may face a challenge in matching that goal count as the season progresses, it’s incredible to note that he has already amassed almost three times as many assists as Ronaldo did that campaign. In all competitions, Ronaldo netted 42 goals and had seven assists—Salah is already approaching that mark with 30 goals and 20 assists, and with multiple competitions still to come, it’s plausible he could surpass those figures, further cementing his legacy.
Sergio Aguero
As Manchester City’s all-time top scorer, Sergio Aguero had a stellar career in the Premier League, but even he might be looking over his shoulder at Salah this season. Currently, Salah needs just three more goals to eclipse Aguero’s Premier League tally, which would slot him into the fifth position on the all-time scoring list. It’s worth noting that Aguero’s best season saw him score 26 goals, a feat Salah has already matched this season while contributing significantly more assists.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane is another player that most would hold in high regard, as he has achieved the rare feat of leading both the goals and assists charts in the same season. In the behind-closed-doors 2020-21 season, Kane notched up 23 goals and 14 assists. However, at this point in the current season, Salah is ahead of Kane in both categories, and we’re not even at the midpoint of the season. In fact, Kane’s most prolific outing in the Bundesliga with Bayern saw him contribute 44 goals (36 goals and 8 assists), and Salah is on track to match or exceed that as well.
Fernando Torres
When we think of Fernando Torres, we recall his electrifying runs and finishing that left defenders bewildered. Nonetheless, in terms of raw numbers, he’s not quite in the same orbit as Salah. Torres netted just 85 goals and provided 29 assists throughout his time in the Premier League, with a single-season best of 24 goals and four assists. Salah’s current output could see him end this season with double the contributions that Torres had in his prime—imagine that!
Didier Drogba
Drogba was a true powerhouse on the pitch for Chelsea, famed not just for his goal-scoring prowess but also his ability to assist teammates. In his best season during Chelsea’s record-breaking 2009-10 season, Drogba was involved in a staggering 39 goals (29 scored, 10 assisted). While some might argue that assists shouldn’t be necessary for a striker to be judged, Salah’s creativity paired with his scoring ability showcases a rare versatility that is hard to match.
Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne, who departed Chelsea around the same time Salah joined, is another player who has left an indelible mark on the Premier League. The Belgian enjoyed phenomenal seasons, yet it was during Salah’s triumphant 2019-20 campaign when Liverpool claimed the title that De Bruyne set his record with 20 assists. The dazzling playmaker is currently facing serious competition from Salah, who only needs five more assists to match De Bruyne’s record while also sparkling in front of goal.
As we look at Mohamed Salah’s incredible run this season, it’s impossible not to reflect on the tremendous impact he is making not only in the Premier League but in football history overall. Whether it’s reaching impressive milestones, breaking long-held records, or simply thrilling fans with his play, Salah is becoming an unforgettable part of this sport, and it doesn’t seem like he’s slowing down anytime soon. His story is one of hard work, talent, and passion, and with every match, he continues to resonate with fans, both on and off the pitch.Wayne Rooney’s name is synonymous with Premier League greatness. As a dedicated fan, you might often find yourself reminiscing about the days when he dazzled on the pitch, wearing that iconic Manchester United jersey. The accolades attached to his name are undeniably impressive—third all-time leading goalscorer and fourth in assists. Yet, it is remarkable to think that despite this illustrious career, Rooney never clinched a Golden Boot, an honor so often associated with prolific scorers.
While his peers, like Didier Drogba and Robin van Persie, showcased their abilities to score consistently, Rooney managed to hit the 20-goal mark on two occasions. In the 2009-10 season, he scored 26 goals, while during the 2011-12 season, he found the back of the net 27 times. Unfortunately for him, those efforts were overshadowed by the brilliance of his contemporaries. It’s almost cruel, isn’t it? To work so hard and be so talented but miss out on the recognition that comes with leading the scoring charts.
As for his 2011-12 season, in addition to his impressive goal tally, he chipped in five assists, showcasing his ability to create opportunities for others. It’s a testament to his complete skill set; he wasn’t just a striker looking to fill his own score sheet. That season, he had a combined 32 goal contributions, which is astonishing. However, when you look at Mohamed Salah’s remarkable tally, which is a staggering 41 goals and assists in the same context but with 11 games remaining, it can feel a bit mind-boggling. Comparatively, Rooney’s best season now seems almost quaint—the football equivalent of comparing a vintage classic car to a roaring sports model that just zoomed past.
As you think back to Rooney’s contributions to the game, it’s hard not to marvel at how his legacy is a mixture of brilliance and what-ifs. He was a player who understood the game at a deeper level, often being the heartbeat of the teams he played for. Whether he was scoring brilliant goals or providing crucial assists, Rooney was always in the thick of the action. It’s something many of us appreciate; those players who embrace every part of the game, just like we relished watching them match after match.
Rooney’s journey in the Premier League is a reminder that while raw stats like goals and assists matter, the story behind them holds equal weight. His legacy inspires a new generation of players and fans alike, capturing that unique spirit of competition, skill, and heart that make football so captivating. In the grand narrative of Premier League history, Rooney’s chapter will always hold a special place, not just for the figures but for the moments that brought us joy, excitement, and a bit of nostalgia.
Image Source: Mohamed Salah @ Instagram
