Thierry Henry says Mohamed Salah can match Philippe Coutinho's star quality

Posted Monday, October 16, 2017 by squawka.com

Thierry Henry has tipped Mohamed Salah to be the focal point in Jurgen Klopp's side, calling him a "special" player for Liverpool.

The Egyptian has hit the ground running for the Reds since his £35m move from Roma, scoring four Premier League goals in four appearances.

The Arsenal legend believes that he has all the makings to an indispensable part of Klopp's plans, and will become even more pivotal to the side once he hits his stride in finishing.

"I don't think it's about proving Mourinho anything, but proving the Liverpool fans that you are this guy — that you can be a player like Coutinho," Henry told Sky Sports.

"For me, he [Salah] is special, he has something special. He will be a special player for Liverpool. I like the fact that he is direct — we don't have a lot of players like that in the game anymore."

Salah was bright in Liverpool's display against Manchester United on Saturday, creating two chances and completing 88% of his passes though he failed to register a goal.

The 25-year-old had four shots on goal – one on target – but was unable to make the array of chances that Liverpool had count, as he skirts easily around defenders with his pace and skill perfectly but then ultimately fluffs the chance with his finishing.

The former Chelsea player has six goals in 11 appearances for the Reds, and has a total of 24 shots in the Premier League and at times struggles to be truly ruthlessness and clinical in the goal mouth.

Though Henry admits that Salah needs a lot of attempts on goal to finally hit the back of the net, he believes that he has all the potential to make Liverpool a strong force.

"And yes, people will say sometimes that he needs four opportunities to score a goal," said the former Arsenal player.

"When he is able to finish all the opportunities he has then he will be more than lethal for this club."

Liverpool next face Spurs away at Wembley on Sunday in the Premier League after a Champions League tie against Maribor.