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Mo Salah is showing touches of Messi, says Wenger as former Arsenal manager hails Liverpool star

ARSENE WENGER has likened Mohamed Salah to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

The Egyptian appears to be hitting top form again with four goals in his last four matches.

Mo Salah has been likened to Barca star Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has scored 17 goals in 22 games this season

He also starred in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Monterrey in the Club World Cup by setting up Naby Keita’s goal with a brilliant piece of play.

Salah, 27, has 13 goals and six assists in 21 appearances this season compared to Messi’s 17 goals and nine assists in 22 games.

And former Arsenal boss Wenger believes his movement around the box and ability to create chances out of nothing is similar to the Argentine legend.

Talking to beIN Sports, he said: “Because he had touches last night [against Monterrey] of a playmaker.

He created chances around the box that are exceptional, [there were shades] of Messi in him last night and I like that a guy who can score so many goals also becomes the guy who gives assists.

That is a complete player. Thats what we all admire and what we want from our players.

Salah finished fifth in the race to the Ballon d’Or with Messi claiming the gong for a record sixth time.

Meanwhile Wenger dropped a massive hint that Arsenal have appointed Mikel Arteta as their new manager.

The Frenchman brought Arteta to Arsenal and recognised his leadership potential by making him captain.

Speaking to Sky Sports he added: “When Arteta will be in charge I will support Arteta.

“He [Arteta] is intelligent, he has passion, he has knowledge, but Ljungberg [does] as well.

“I am an Arsenal supporter and at the moment I support the manager in charge and the manager in charge is Ljungberg.”

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes the pair have similarities