A former Premier League player recently made waves with his bold comments about Mohamed Salah, dismissing him as a “world-class” player and instead expressing a preference for his children to emulate Vinícius Júnior. The retired footballer, known for his own successful career in England, argued that Salah’s performances for Liverpool, though impressive, don’t quite reach the level of some of the game’s true greats. He compared Salah’s playing style unfavorably to that of Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger, Vinícius Júnior, whose pace and flair he praised as qualities to aspire to.
The former player emphasized his admiration for Júnior’s dribbling, creativity, and natural ability, especially in high-pressure situations like the Champions League. Meanwhile, he downplayed Salah’s influence on games, pointing out that, although the Egyptian winger has been highly productive in terms of goals and assists, his overall game lacks the fluidity and finesse that Júnior brings to the field. These comments stirred debate, with many defending Salah’s status as one of the Premier League’s finest players and others supporting the notion that Vinícius’ unique talents set him apart in modern football.
This comparison highlights the ongoing discussion in the football world about what truly defines a “world-class” player, with many fans and experts drawing contrasting opinions about what skills and qualities should be celebrated.