Newly inducted Premier League Hall of Famer Thierry Henry is a well-respected football man for both on-field and off-field exploits.
However, this week the Frenchman was discussing who is currently the best footballer in the world following yet more sublime Mohamed Salah performances.
Salah was at the forefront of the Reds’ 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Wanda Metropolitano, scoring twice for Jurgen Klopp’s side in the Spanish capital.
Asked whether the Egyptian is currently the best around, Henry was reticent to overlook two of Europe’s top performers.
The goals that he is scoring, at the moment, are very good. But how can you forget about Lewandowski? How can you forget about Benzema? How can you forget doing it at the national level also? Right now, he’s suffering a bit with Egypt. It’s not easy. But he’s not doing in there yet. But those goals are ridiculous. I love Salah. But he’s not yet the best.
The 44-year-old former Barcelona man went on to say Salah was the best in the Premier League ‘by a distance’ but placed Benzema ‘ahead’ due to the striker’s form for France.
But, Twitter user Mizgan took umbrage at Henry’s national team comments in particular and acted to dispel the myth that the ace was ‘suffering’ compared to rivals.
In fact, Salah has scored 43 goals in 71 appearances for Egypt, whilst Benzema has 33 goals in 92 outings for France.
Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski boast the best record at the international level with a remarkable 72 strikes in 127 Poland senior caps.
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Although the standard of opposition may often be varying in quality from European to African competitions, both continents have their relative minnows.
Furthermore, Salah is captain of Egypt and carries the weight of a nation on his shoulders whilst surrounded by a side comprising merely high-quality players.
Meanwhile, whilst representing France, Benzema is awash with world-class teammates and often is the benefactor of the work of others.
Best in the world conversations are nigh on impossible to hold due to the differing levels of opposition – but there can be no doubting Salah’s involvement in the discussion.
