Former Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has explained what makes Mohamed Salah so special, with his dedication second to none.
Salah has confirmed that he is leaving the Reds at the end of this season, following nine iconic years at the club.
The 33-year-old will be an almost irreplaceable figure, not only due to his talent, but also because of his level of drive.
Oxlade-Chamberlain spent six years with Salah at Liverpool, and speaking on All Out Football, he outlined how he became an “animal” there.
“Obviously what Mo’s achieved at Liverpool is unprecedented,” Oxlade-Chamberlain said.
“He’s gone to heights that are astronomical. It’s Ronaldo-type numbers.
“But before Liverpool, he’d had a lot of setbacks and gone to Chelsea, it didn’t quite work out, and he’d gone to Italy.
“And then he came to Liverpool and just turned into an animal.
“I was a bit shocked because he’s the kind of guy that you just think will never stop, but he probably thinks it’s the best time for him.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, March 18, 2026: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring the fourth (and 50th European) goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and Galatasaray A.?. at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“But for our team, he was just incredible.
“He’s one of those special players – if I’m having a bad game, I’m useless to everyone. He could have a terrible game and score two goals and win you the game.
“And that’s special.
“He had a mindset and mentality that was just elite, to not get too hard on himself. Doesn’t get too high, doesn’t get too low.”
How Mo Salah trained “like Rocky”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 16, 2025: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Atlético de Madrid. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Oxlade-Chamberlain further went on to compare Salah’s professionalism to James Milner, saying he is on a par with his former colleague in that respect.
“In terms of as professionals, I’ve never seen anyone do what Mo does every hour of the day,” he added.
“To the point where I straight up look at him and think I don’t think I could do that. And fair play, you deserve everything that you do.
“He comes off the pitch and he’s installed ice baths, ice chambers, cryo chambers in his house and red light therapy, from one thing to the next.
“The amount of times before training I used to get up for a coffee and I’m seeing Mo running through the tunnel with his hat on like Rocky!
“He’s the first in the gym, then he trains how he trains, then he’s in the gym doing treatment, therapy, another gym session.
“It was like obsession, and you’ve got to give someone like that credit.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 14, 2026: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah touches the badge as he celebrates after scoring the third goal during the FA Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
This all highlights what a remarkable footballer Salah is both on and off the pitch, and why he has carved out the career he has.
Time catches up with all players, though, and this summer ultimately feels like the right time for him to leave Liverpool, following a season of struggle.
He will depart as one of the greatest in Reds history, though, and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s comments sum up why he has achieved so much.
Replacing Salah’s ability is one thing, but bringing in a player with his mindset is another challenge altogether.