This season, Mohamed Salah’s (32) statistics are remarkable, yet his aspirations for the upcoming Ballon d’Or may depend heavily on how much silverware Liverpool manages to collect, according to manager Arne Slot’s comments on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old Egyptian is arguably having the finest season of his career, having netted 25 goals in the Premier League as Liverpool edges closer to clinching the title.
Moreover, Liverpool is set to compete in the League Cup final and is considered one of the frontrunners for the Champions League, having topped the newly expanded group stage.
It’s been since 1995 that an African player has won the Ballon d’Or, with George Weah being the last. For Liverpool, the last player to claim football’s most prestigious individual honour was Michael Owen in 2001, and since then, only two players from English clubs have received the accolade.
Salah’s exceptional performances have placed him in contention to become the next winner, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) in 2008 and Rodri from Manchester City last year.
“It’s great that Mo is part of the conversation, as it indicates he’s performing well and so are we. However, to maintain his position in that discussion, he needs to continue delivering performances like he has for the past seven or eight months,” Slot stated to reporters before the upcoming home match against Newcastle United on Wednesday.
“Generally, I believe that anyone who wins the Ballon d’Or needs to secure some silverware too, so we have a significant challenge ahead of us—both as a team and for him.
“If we can achieve something as a team, he will greatly enhance his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.”
Salah, who has yet to finalise a contract extension beyond this season, has tallied 30 goals across all competitions, marking the fifth instance he has reached this milestone since his arrival at Liverpool from AS Roma in 2017.
He contributed significantly to the team’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Sunday, scoring one goal and assisting another, putting Liverpool 11 points ahead of Arsenal, having played one game more.
While some have suggested the title race is effectively concluded, Slot remains cautious, aware that fifth-placed Newcastle—whom they will also face in the League Cup final next month—pose significant threats, particularly with the in-form striker Alexander Isak.
“It would be an understatement to say he’s in great form; he’s performing excellently,” remarked Slot regarding the Swede. “Our team performance will play a key role in controlling him. The more possession we hold, the more we can manage him, although he poses a danger during counter-attacks.”
“We have two very solid centre-backs, which is crucial when facing the quality of Isak. I admire the style Eddie Howe has brought to the team; it’s intense, with a solid game plan, whether they have the ball or not.”
Slot, who has the potential to achieve a treble in his inaugural season, asserted there’s no risk of his players becoming complacent.
“I really don’t think that’s a message I need to reinforce,” the Dutchman concluded. “These players have been in this competition much longer than I have; they are well aware of how challenging it can be.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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