Former Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor has come out strongly in defence of Mohamed Salah after Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher questioned the Egyptian forward’s leadership and overall impact during a difficult period for the club.
Carragher recently suggested that Salah’s influence at Anfield was waning, arguing that the prolific winger was starting to pose more problems than solutions for Liverpool. The comments sparked debate, and Adebayor has now weighed in, firmly rejecting the former defender’s assessment.
Speaking to BeanymanSports, the ex-Arsenal and Manchester City striker described Carragher’s remarks as unfair, insisting that Salah’s long-term consistency places him among football’s elite.
“I heard what Jamie Carragher said about Mo Salah, and to be honest, I think it’s incredibly disrespectful. He has been consistent for seven or eight years. To talk about him as if he is a finished player or a problem for the team is wrong,” Adebayor said.
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Adebayor went on to stress that Salah’s importance extends far beyond Liverpool, highlighting his status both on the African continent and on the global stage.
“Mo Salah is an African icon, but he is also a global football icon. When you have a player like that, you cherish him,” he added.
The former Togo international also questioned Carragher’s perspective, suggesting that the reality of facing a player like Salah on the pitch should temper such criticism.
“Carragher was a great defender, and he knows how hard it is to play against a player like Salah. To sit in a studio and say these things, it feels like he’s forgotten what it’s like on the pitch,” Adebayor stated.
Adebayor concluded by implying that Salah’s background plays a role in how his performances are judged, arguing that similar achievements by an English player would be celebrated far more enthusiastically.
“If he were English, they would be building a statue for him every week. Because he is Salah, and because he is African, people find it easy to criticize him,” he concluded.
Salah remains one of Liverpool’s most influential figures since joining the club, and Adebayor’s comments add another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding the winger’s form, leadership, and legacy at Anfield.
