Mohamed Salah has been pivotal to Liverpool’s present form this season. The Egyptian forward has contributed in both goals and assists, garnering 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions playing 17 games this season. The stats show that the Egyptian contributes at least a goal or assist in every game for the Reds. So far his contribution has been impactful for the Reds this season as Liverpool stays atop the Premier League table, while also atop the Champions League table.
However, this is not the first time the Egyptian has been influential for the Reds. For the past seven seasons of his career, Mohamed Salah has averaged 30+ goals and assists every season, helping the Reds to win almost every possible trophy in every tournament. In light of this former Watford Forward Troy Deeney believes Mohamed Salah has not yet achieved “World Class” status.
Troy Deeney’s View On Salah
Troy Deeney, who is retired and currently coaches the Forest Green Rovers in the EFL, spoke to Talk Sport about his opinion on Mohamed Salah. The 36-year-old delivered 217 goals, and as a Watford player alone, scored 131 goals. The Englishman believes Salah hasn’t yet attained the levels of world class. At first, he spoke about the contract situation of the Egyptian who might leave Liverpool next summer. He expressed that Salah is key to the Merseyside team, and pointed out why he might leave the club.
Deeney believes that Liverpool may be working on some financial structure. Furthermore, he then proceeds to say that the Liverpool winger isn’t world class. Deeney said: “I think Mohamed Salah is excellent, he’s a pivotal part of Liverpool and they should never have let it [his expiring contract] get to this situation, But I understand that there’s a financial structure around what they want to try and keep to. My argument has always been that I just don’t think he’s world-class.”
Deeney Explains Further
The 36-year-old continued to buttress his point on why Salah isn’t a world-class player to him. He explained that the Egyptian isn’t a player he would like his kids to look up to. He made the case for Real Madrid star Vinicius, believing the 24-year-old is a better role model for his kids than Mohamed Salah.
Deeney said: “But world-class is just a different opinion, what I think of world-class is would I want my kids to play like that player? That’s what I think is world-class. If I were asking my kids who want to be forwards, I would be saying I would like them to look at what Vinicius Jr does as opposed to Mohamed Salah. But his goals that he [Salah] scores, he scores an unbelievable amount of goals, he’s highly effective, but that’s just my opinion. He’s probably going to turn around and say, ‘Who the f*** is Troy?‘ and fair play to him, but that’s my opinion.”
Arne Slot On Salah’s Contract
Liverpool’s Manager Arne Slot spoke about the Egyptian star, and the situation at hand concerning his contract. He initially expressed how pleased he has been over the performance of the 32-year-old. He also pointed out how Salah had been crucial for Liverpool in the past years. Scoring important goals and putting all his might and effort into the team. However, on the issue of the contract, he believes it has nothing to do with him. Slot pointed out that it’s a decision between Salah and the club.
Slot said: “The only thing I think about is he is so important for us. Scores important goals, and works hard for the team. I’m hoping he can enjoy that feeling many, many, many more times. Especially if I’m here but also if I’m not here. I’m hoping he can do this many more times. He’s been incredible for Liverpool over the past eight years. He’s been incredible for us this season and I hope he can continue doing this for the rest of the season and maybe longer to come, but that’s up to him and the club to find the idea about the future.”
Conclusion
Mohamed Salah who has been fantastic for Liverpool has been regarded as short of world class by Troy Deeney. This is a statement meant to trigger Liverpool fans and Mohamed Salah’s admirers. However the former Watford Forward believes he’s entitled to his opinion, and he feels he is right.
