Why Mohamed Salah isn’t in Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo category as Egypt legend Mido takes aim at Liverpool forward’s leadership skills

The Liverpool forward has, as the biggest star in his homeland, taken on the armband at international level. He has been unable to inspire the Pharaohs to tangible success, unlike multiple Ballon d’Or winners Messi and Ronaldo who have savoured Copa America, World Cup and European Championship glory between them.

Former Premier League star Mido has been critical of Salah on a regular basis, with questions asked of his decision to return to Anfield when picking up an injury at the latest Africa Cup of Nations, and he has told The Untold podcast of why the talismanic figure for Egypt does not sit alongside the all-time greats: “Is Messi as a leader for Argentina like Salah as a leader for Egypt? Salah is Egypt’s star, but does what he does with the national team resemble what Messi does with Argentina? Does Salah do what Ronaldo does with Portugal? Directing players in penalty kicks, saying who will take the shot and who will follow, and imposing his personality on everyone. Salah has evolved mentally, but he has never been a leader on the pitch, the evidence for that is why he didn’t get the captain’s armband at Liverpool? Ask yourself why Salah has never worn the captain’s armband for Liverpool? Don’t say it’s because he’s a foreign player, as this is not a factor in English football, and there is ample evidence. Salah was negatively affected by becoming the captain of Egypt. He would have had more freedom and less pressure if he remained without that armband.”

Mido went on to say: “Some may accuse me of jealousy towards Salah, but those are a group of sick people. I cannot imagine Ahmed Fathi, with his value and great history, giving up the captain’s armband for Salah. It’s like Hossam Hassan relinquishing his role as captain for Ahmed Hassan. It’s hard to believe. These are red lines and a change in traditions followed for years, and comparisons shouldn’t be made with the cases of Messi and Ronaldo because the situation is completely different. The duo have completely different personalities and mentalities from Salah. If Salah were the captain of Liverpool, he wouldn’t have delivered the same strong performance. He is one of those players who find it difficult to bear the burden of captaincy. Salah cannot wear the captain’s armband with Mohamed El-Shenawy and Ahmed Hegazi on the pitch. Hegazi, specifically, is the captain of Ittihad Jeddah, one of the oldest clubs in Saudi Arabia.”

Mido may have a point, as less responsibility in the Egypt camp would allow Salah to focus solely on producing his best. He is, however, a proud man – one with 98 caps to his name – and will believe that he can juggle the demands of being a leader in all departments for his country.