Troy Deeney, the former Premier League striker, has delivered a pointed assessment of Mohamed Salah, claiming the Liverpool forward prioritises personal interests over the collective good of the club — a stance, Deeney argues, that undermines Salah’s legacy at Anfield.
Salah, 33, has been one of Liverpool’s most decorated players since arriving from AS Roma in 2017, contributing significantly to the club’s two Premier League title victories. However, his form has dipped considerably this season, a campaign in which Liverpool have struggled to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League table.
Compounding the on-pitch decline, Salah has confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the current season despite having a year remaining on his contract — a decision that has intensified scrutiny of his relationship with the club.
“Is he one of Liverpool’s all-time greats? Talent-wise, maybe,” Deeney said. “But being a great is about the full package. You have to be a figurehead for the club before anything. Salah is out for himself and himself alone.”
Deeney went further, labelling the Egyptian international as one of the biggest “drama queens” in the game, suggesting the widespread acclaim Salah receives is at odds with his conduct during a difficult period for the club. He criticised the forward for engineering what he described as “a little moment” for himself in front of cameras following a recent defeat.
The former striker drew a contrast with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, citing the defender’s willingness to speak candidly after a poor result — even when his remarks about the team “giving up” attracted widespread criticism — as an example of genuine leadership.
Deeney also revisited a touchline altercation between Salah and then-manager Jurgen Klopp approximately two years ago, which followed a decision to drop the forward from the starting lineup. He further referenced a pre-Africa Cup of Nations interview in which Salah appeared to question his manager’s authority, hint at being pushed out of the club, and signal an impending departure.
“He deserved adulation last season when he was in incredible form, but he turns things sour as soon as things start going wrong,” Deeney remarked. He dismissed comparisons between Salah and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as “a load of bullshit,” adding that when results are positive, Salah is quick to claim the credit.
Deeney warned that Salah’s conduct risks damaging squad cohesion and setting a damaging precedent for younger players at the club.
Salah’s departure, when confirmed, will bring to a close one of the most productive individual runs in Liverpool’s history. Since 2017, he has been the club’s leading goal threat, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup during his time at Anfield. Whether his exit, and the manner in which it has unfolded, shapes how he is remembered by the club’s supporters remains to be seen.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has also been navigating questions around Salah’s role this season, having opted to bench the forward for the club’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain — a decision Slot attributed to tactical considerations amid what he described as a period of “survival mode” for the team. Salah is not the only senior figure departing at season’s end, with defender Andrew Robertson also reported to be leaving after nine years at the club.
