Where Does Salah Stand Among Premier League’s Greatest Forwards?

A Farewell to Salah

Mohamed Salah’s journey with Liverpool is approaching its conclusion. After dedicating nine years, making 435 appearances, and netting 255 goals for the Reds, Salah has declared that this will be his final season at Anfield. As Liverpool’s third-highest all-time goal scorer, he is undeniably among the club’s elite players. However, the question remains: how does he fare within the broader context of Premier League greats?

BBC Sport has identified several of the league’s most iconic forwards, encouraging fans to assess Salah’s standing among them. The criteria for comparison may vary: should it be purely based on goals scored, overall contributions, successes, or an amalgamation of these factors? Fans have plenty to ponder as they rank these legendary figures.

Notable Premier League Forwards

Here are some renowned forwards in the Premier League history:

Sergio Aguero – Man City

• Premier League appearances: 275
• Goals: 184
• Goals per game: 0.67
• Assists: 47

Aguero’s memorable last-gasp goal in May 2012 secured Manchester City’s first title in 44 years, snatching it from Manchester United. Not only is he City’s top scorer, but he also holds the record for the most hat-tricks in Premier League history and has won multiple league titles and cups.

Dennis Bergkamp – Arsenal

• Premier League appearances: 315
• Goals: 87
• Goals per game: 0.28
• Assists: 94

Regarded as a transformative signing for Arsenal, Bergkamp’s creativity was pivotal in the club’s success during his tenure. He played a crucial role in securing three Premier League titles and was known for his remarkable vision and skill on the ball.

Andy Cole – Various Clubs

• Premier League appearances: 414
• Goals: 187
• Goals per game: 0.45
• Assists: 73

Cole’s goal-scoring prowess places him as the fifth-highest scorer in Premier League history. Known primarily for his glory days at Manchester United, he held the Golden Boot in 1994 and helped secure multiple trophies during his time at Old Trafford.

Didier Drogba – Chelsea

• Premier League appearances: 254
• Goals: 104
• Goals per game: 0.41
• Assists: 55

Drogba became an iconic player for Chelsea, leading them through a period of dominance in English football. He remains the club’s fourth-highest scorer and was influential in their league triumphs and cup victories.

Erling Haaland – Man City

• Premier League appearances: 126
• Goals: 107
• Goals per game: 0.85
• Assists: 23

Since joining City, Haaland has made an exceptional impact, setting scoring records and quickly rising among the club’s all-time greats with his astonishing strike rate.

Thierry Henry – Arsenal

• Premier League appearances: 258
• Goals: 175
• Goals per game: 0.68
• Assists: 74

Henry is often considered Arsenal’s finest player, with an impressive scoring record alongside numerous trophies including two league titles. His contribution to the game has made him a legendary figure.

Harry Kane – Tottenham

• Premier League appearances: 320
• Goals: 213
• Goals per game: 0.67
• Assists: 46

Kane, who left Tottenham for Bayern Munich, has continually been recognized as one of the league’s deadliest forwards, consistently finishing with high goal tallies and Golden Boot honors.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Man Utd

• Premier League appearances: 236
• Goals: 103
• Goals per game: 0.44
• Assists: 37

Ronaldo made significant contributions during his time in the Premier League, claiming three league titles and a Champions League trophy, alongside numerous individual accolades that solidified his status as one of the greatest players.

Wayne Rooney – Man Utd and Everton

• Premier League appearances: 491
• Goals: 208
• Goals per game: 0.42
• Assists: 103

Rooney is a celebrated figure in the Premier League, ranking among the top three all-time goal scorers while also being a crucial playmaker, showcasing his versatility on the pitch.

Mohamed Salah – Liverpool and Chelsea

• Premier League appearances: 323
• Goals: 191
• Goals per game: 0.59
• Assists: 93

Salah has been transformative for Liverpool, contributing significantly to their triumphs over the years. He has claimed the Premier League Golden Boot multiple times and has been an integral part of the team’s success in domestic and international competitions.

Alan Shearer – Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle

• Premier League appearances: 441
• Goals: 260
• Goals per game: 0.59
• Assists: 64

Shearer remains the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer, playing a vital role in Blackburn’s title win and later starring for Newcastle. His legacy is solidified with multiple Golden Boot wins and accolades.

Luis Suarez – Liverpool

• Premier League appearances: 110
• Goals: 69
• Goals per game: 0.63
• Assists: 23

Suarez’s time at Liverpool was fraught with drama, but his on-field performance was undeniable. He ended his tenure with impressive goal statistics and several personal awards, including the Golden Boot in his final season.

This rich history of forward talent raises a challenging question: Where does Salah fit into this illustrious group? Fans and pundits alike are keen to weigh in on these comparisons as Salah exits the stage of the Premier League.