Move Over Szobo & Trent: Slot Has Found Liverpool’s New Steven Gerrard in “World-class” Star
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to depart from Liverpool once his £180,000-a-week contract concludes this summer.
The prospect is disheartening, but unless there is a significant change in circumstances, it seems inevitable that the local hero will bid farewell to Anfield at the age of 26.
Although it’s important to respect the right-back’s decision, many on Merseyside will find it hard not to feel a sense of regret. Alexander-Arnold was heralded as the club’s future icon, a talent shaped within the city and often touted as the heir to Steven Gerrard.
Yet, despite his achievements, Alexander-Arnold is unlikely to attain the legendary status that Gerrard enjoys.
This situation only serves to underscore the idea that the former England captain occupies a unique and unmatchable place in Liverpool’s pantheon of greats.
Gerrard, a native of Liverpool, began his senior career with the club in 1998, coming on as a substitute for Vegard Heggem in a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers, and would go on to become a timeless figure at Anfield.
Over the course of his illustrious spell, Gerrard made 710 appearances, netted 186 goals, and provided 155 assists before ending his playing days in Major League Soccer with LA Galaxy.
Few can envision anyone filling his boots. While Alexander-Arnold may have had a chance, his early exit effectively puts an end to such discussions.
Another current Liverpool player, Dominik Szoboszlai, has attracted comparisons to the iconic midfielder due to their shared playing style. Nevertheless, in terms of legacy, it’s difficult to see him reaching the same legendary status.
During a BBC Radio 5 Live broadcast last season, Stephen Warnock remarked on the Hungarian’s resemblance to Gerrard, saying: “The long legs and the stride pattern, Dominik Szoboszlai has such similarities to Steven Gerrard.”
Gerrard remains one of the Premier League’s most revered captains and was instrumental in one of Liverpool’s most historic nights—when the team overturned a 3-0 deficit against AC Milan in Istanbul to lift the Champions League trophy.
Now 44, Gerrard’s standing within Liverpool remains unmatched, though that doesn’t imply the club lacks new inspirational figures.
Considering the enduring influence of Gerrard’s legacy, it seems fitting that Liverpool’s current beacon of hope operates not in midfield but further up the pitch.
Liverpool’s New Version of Gerrard
Having made 393 appearances for Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has scored 243 goals and provided 110 assists, cementing his place as one of the club’s most iconic modern figures—despite not being a local product of the city.
Now 32 years old, he arrived from AS Roma in 2017 for a fee of £34 million and quickly became central to Jurgen Klopp’s era of success. In his debut season, he set a new record for the most Premier League goals in a single campaign—a record later surpassed by Erling Haaland five years on—before going on to win the Champions League, Premier League, and other major honours.
As his contract approaches its conclusion, Salah continues to deliver exceptional performances, propelling Arne Slot’s debut season to unexpected heights by scoring 27 goals and contributing 17 assists in the Premier League alone.
His brilliance has resonated far beyond Anfield. Salah’s remarkable consistency has placed him among the Premier League’s all-time elite goal scorers, with his tally now matching that of Sergio Aguero in fifth position.
| Premier League – All-time Leading Goalscorers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| # | Player | Apps | Goals |
| 1. | Alan Shearer | 441 | 260 |
| 2. | Harry Kane | 320 | 213 |
| 3. | Wayne Rooney | 491 | 208 |
| 4. | Andy Cole | 414 | 187 |
| 5. | Sergio Aguero | 275 | 184 |
| 5= | Mohamed Salah | 293 | 184 |
| Stats via Premier League | |||
Should the Egyptian star choose to extend his stay at Liverpool for another couple of seasons, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him overtake Harry Kane as the Premier League’s second-highest scorer. Alan Shearer’s long-standing record may still be out of reach, but Salah closing in on it wouldn’t be far-fetched.
There’s no question about it—Salah stands among the all-time greats. His legacy is deeply interwoven with Liverpool’s modern success, and for many football fans, his image is inseparable from the club’s recent golden era, often symbolising their most memorable moments.
While he doesn’t share Gerrard’s position or playing style, Salah has arguably become the defining superstar of Liverpool’s current generation, much like the former captain once was in his own time.
With an outstanding number of goal contributions this season, Salah has arguably been the driving force pushing Liverpool closer to the finish line. The campaign isn’t over yet, but with each passing week, the end goal is more in sight.
His statistics speak volumes—he’s outshone his fellow forwards, many of whom have endured inconsistent form and struggled to find the net at crucial times during the season.
| Liverpool’s Frontline in 24/25 (all comps) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| # | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Mohamed Salah | 44 | 32 | 22 |
| Cody Gakpo | 41 | 16 | 6 |
| Luis Diaz | 43 | 13 | 8 |
| Diogo Jota | 30 | 9 | 4 |
| Darwin Nunez | 41 | 7 | 7 |
| Federico Chiesa | 11 | 2 | 2 |
| Data via Transfermarkt | |||
It’s hardly surprising that he’s been hailed as “immense” and “world-class” by rival pundits like BBC Sport’s Micah Richards. His brilliance is truly beyond doubt.
While Gerrard may be considered irreplaceable, he’s likely watching closely as Salah continues to elevate his game time and again.
Liverpool fans will be anxiously awaiting word in the coming weeks about whether their star forward will sign a new contract. But regardless of the outcome, the soon-to-be 33-year-old Salah has given his peak years to Merseyside, developed alongside the club, and claimed the game’s highest accolades.
Gerrard may be unmatched, but Salah has certainly come close.
In other news, Liverpool Will Sign Mohamed Salah 2.0 as Richard Hughes Inches Closer to Agreement
