McCoist Claims Former Rangers Star Was Better Than Mo Salah: A Bold but Thought-Provoking Statement
Ally McCoist, the legendary Rangers striker and one of the most charismatic voices in Scottish football, made headlines recently with a bold and provocative statement: a player once let go by Rangers, in his opinion, was better than Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah. While such a claim might sound exaggerated in the current football climate — where Salah is a Premier League legend and Champions League winner — McCoist’s statement forces us to examine not just the player he’s referring to, but also the often unpredictable trajectories of football careers.
The Claim
McCoist’s remark, whether off-the-cuff or a genuinely heartfelt comparison, centers around a player Rangers once had within their ranks — and let go — whom he feels possessed greater talent or potential than Salah. Though he didn’t necessarily argue that the player had a better career than Salah, he strongly suggested that, in terms of raw ability and footballing intelligence, the former Rangers man stood above.
This kind of nostalgic evaluation is not uncommon in football circles. Players often go under the radar due to bad luck, mismanagement, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. But who was the player in question?
The Player: Sone Aluko
McCoist was referring to Sone Aluko, a Nigerian international who spent a season at Rangers during the 2011-2012 campaign. Despite the club’s financial troubles and impending demotion to the Third Division, Aluko stood out as a creative and electric force in attack. He was quick, technically gifted, and had an eye for goal — netting 12 times in 23 appearances for Rangers.
In a 2022 interview, McCoist didn’t hesitate when discussing Aluko’s talent. “Sone Aluko at his best was better than Salah,” he claimed. Though it may sound like a stretch to many, McCoist explained that in terms of technical skill, close control, and footballing flair, Aluko’s abilities were of the highest caliber.
Comparing Careers: Aluko vs Salah
Let’s be clear: comparing the careers of Sone Aluko and Mohamed Salah is like comparing a cult classic film to a box-office juggernaut. Salah is a global football icon. With over 150 goals for Liverpool, multiple Golden Boots, and a Champions League and Premier League title to his name, he’s not only one of the best African players of all time but also one of the greatest to ever grace the Premier League.
Aluko, meanwhile, had a respectable but modest career. After Rangers, he moved to Hull City and later Fulham and Reading. He showed flashes of brilliance, especially in the Championship, but never reached the top-tier acclaim Salah enjoyed. Injuries and inconsistent form seemed to plague his journey.
The Crux of McCoist’s Argument: Talent vs Career
What McCoist seems to be emphasizing isn’t career accolades, but rather the talent ceiling. It’s an important distinction in football analysis. Many players have the natural gifts to be world-beaters but never quite make it — often due to injuries, poor career choices, lack of opportunities, or even mental resilience.
Salah, for all his success, wasn’t always seen as a guaranteed world-class star. His stints at Chelsea and even the early days at Roma showed potential but didn’t scream “future Ballon d’Or contender.” His transformation at Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp is testament to the right manager, right system, and right time converging to create a star.
Could Aluko have had a similar rise under different circumstances? Possibly. And that’s the mystery that McCoist’s statement taps into.
A Wider Trend: The One That Got Away
McCoist’s comments also highlight a broader phenomenon in football — clubs letting go of players who later shine or, conversely, players with immense potential fading out before ever hitting the big time. Think of Paul Pogba leaving Manchester United for free before becoming a world-beater at Juventus, or Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah being let go by Chelsea only to become world-class elsewhere.
In Rangers’ case, letting Aluko go during a financial crisis was perhaps less about his talent and more about circumstance. The club was entering administration and would soon drop down the leagues — a move that caused an exodus of talent. In a more stable time, perhaps Aluko would’ve stayed, developed, and become a club icon.
The Verdict
Is McCoist right in saying Aluko was better than Salah? Statistically and based on achievements, no. But if we reframe the question — “Was Aluko one of the most naturally gifted players Rangers ever let go?” — the answer might well be yes.
McCoist’s admiration for Aluko stems from a firsthand view of what the player could do on the pitch. His ball control, balance, and ability to glide past defenders were reminiscent of the best in the game. Unfortunately, raw talent isn’t always enough. The modern game rewards consistency, discipline, and the right environment as much as it does flair.
Aluko remains a ‘what could have been’ story in many ways. And in comparing him to a global superstar like Salah, McCoist isn’t trying to rewrite football history — he’s reminding us that in the shadows of legends, there are always unsung players who, with a little more luck or support, might have stood beside them.
REPORT :McCoist claim player who Rangers let go was far better than Salah
