Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar has identified Mohamed Salah as one of the players, who could standout at next summer’s World Cup finals in Russia. The Egypt international joined Liverpool on a club-record deal from AS Roma in the summer, and he has since been in splendid form for club and country.
Salah is already enjoying his best season of his professional career with 20 goals across all competitions for Liverpool, and he was most recently voted as BBC’s African Player of the Year. Speaking to Globoesporte, Neymar highlighted the main contenders for the World Cup, whilst given a special mention for Salah, he said: “The most well-known contenders [to win the World Cup] are the usual favourites.
“In addition to Brazil, there is Germany, Spain, France, and Argentina, these contenders are highlights in any tournament in which they participate, right? I think surprisingly, Belgium have a great team, and Salah is well, is a great player and can make a difference in the World Cup.”
Salah was instrumental towards Egypt’s progress to their first World Cup since 1990 as he scored the winners against both Uganda and Congo, and his form could propel the Pharaohs beyond group phase, although they have stiff competitions from hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
Liverpool take on Arsenal in Friday’s Premier League outing at the Emirates Stadium, and Salah will relish his chance to run at Ainsley-Maitland Niles, who is likely to be deployed on the left side of the Gunners’ backline. Salah’s dribbling skills with pace has proved a menace for many opposition defences, and the game versus the Gunners should involve goals with 21 scored in the last four meetings.
Both Salah and teammate Sadio Mane are due to travel to Accra for the CAF African Player of the Year accolade, and the former could be the leading candidate, having received praise from fellow professionals since the start of the campaign.