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‘Mohamed Salah is showing shades of Lionel Messi,’ says Arsene Wenger

Liverpool defeated Monterrey 2-1 in the Club World Cup semifinal in Qatar on Wednesday. In the match, Salah assisted Naby Keita to draw the first blood in the 12th minute.

‘Mohamed Salah is showing shades of Lionel Messi,’ says Arsene Wenger

Liverpool's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Watford at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on December 14, 2019. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Calling Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah “a complete player”, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that the Reds striker is showing touches of Lionel Messi.

Liverpool defeated Monterrey 2-1 in the Club World Cup semifinal in Qatar on Wednesday. In the match, Salah assisted Naby Keita to draw the first blood in the 12th minute.

“He (Salah) had touches last night (against Monterrey) of a playmaker,” Wenger told beIN Sports, adding, “He created chances around the box that are exceptional, (there were shades) of Messi in him last night and I like that a guy who can score so many goals also becomes the guy who gives assists.

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“That is a complete player. That’s what we all admire and what we want from our players.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp shared his experiences of coaching the Egyptian star for more than two years.

“Very good, very good experiences (with Salah) but the most positive was on the training ground – sensationally good,” Klopp said, adding, “On the pitch he’s great, really, really good.”

On Wednesday at the Khalifa International Stadium, Salah took his count of assists to 7 along with 13 goals in 23 games across all competitions this season.

“(The stadium) was especially loud when Mo came on the screen,” Klopp continued. “I wouldn’t want to be in his position, with all the attention on me constantly, each touch.

“He’s dealing really well with that (pressure), but don’t forget he’s a really normal person and he wants to have some relaxation as well from time to time.”

Liverpool face Flamengo in the Club World Cup final on Saturday night.

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