Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has controversially suggested that Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is “more consistent” than Liverpool forward Mo Salah.

When asked to compare the seasons of the two players, Merson claimed that Palmer had been carrying his team, while Salah was simply one cog in a well-oiled machine:

“I think he has made Chelsea a much better team. He’s been involved a lot more. I think Salah is playing in an unbelievable team with unbelievable players. But Palmer, I just think he’s a special, special player. Believe it or not, I think he’s more consistent than Salah in a game of 90 minutes. I think he’s involved more.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I love Salah. He’s a different class – one of the best in the world. But sometimes you’ll watch Salah, and he’ll do something, and you’ll go, ‘Really?’ Or he’ll put one over the bar, and you’ll go, ‘Really?’ The thing with Salah, he can not touch the ball and score two goals in two minutes.”

“I just think Palmer’s carried Chelsea. I think he’s been a catalyst. I don’t think Salah has been a catalyst. I think he’s in a very, very good team. This lad [Palmer] has taken Chelsea to the brink of hopefully getting into the Champions League.”

Merson must have a different meaning for the word “consistent”

Salah has only failed to produce a goal or assist in 2 of his 19 Premier League games this season. Palmer, in contrast, has failed to provide a goal contribution in nearly half of his league appearances (9 out of 20).

When it comes to consistency, there is only one winner. Of course, Salah is not always as easy on the eye, but he makes up for that by being extremely ruthless in front of goal. If there is one word to describe Salah, especially this campaign, it is ‘consistent.’

Will Salah stay at Liverpool?

Following the 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday, the Egyptian posted a cryptic photo of himself, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk on X.

With the three players having contracts that expire this summer, many have interpreted it to mean something about their future with Liverpool. It remains to be seen whether Salah will remain at Anfield beyond the end of the season.

Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here