Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is line to become only the second African footballer to win the Ballon d’Or and Jamie Carragher is backing the Egyptian to make history
Jamie Carragher is backing Mohamed Salah to become only the second player from Africa to win the Ballon d’Or.
And the former Liverpool defender reckons Egypt star Salah has a “great chance” to land the 2025 gong considering his remarkable start to the campaign.
Salah’s future at Liverpool beyond the season remains in doubt with no update on a new contract being offered. But with Arne Slot’s men top of the table and through to the Champions League knockout stages with games to spare, Carragher reckons he is in line to be crowned the world’s best player.
“Salah’s goal and assist tally is consistently amazing and there is no bigger admirer of his talent than me, regardless of what his fan club on social media might say,” Carragher said in his latest Telegraph column.
“Salah has stated in the past that he wants to become the second African to win the Ballon d’Or after George Weah did so in 1995. I think he has a great chance.”
The pundit has also made his predictions for the next calendar year and, unsurprisingly, is picking Slot’s team to land the title – with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal next best despite recent injury problems.
“It is between Liverpool and Arsenal,” Carragher added. “Enzo Maresca has done an excellent job at Chelsea this season. I was not sure when the club opted not to keep Mauricio Pochettino last summer, but they appointed a coach with a specific profile and Maresca has brought the squad together.
“Having said that, I agree with him that Chelsea are not quite ready to become champions. They will need another goalkeeper and centre half before they can go the distance.
“‘Arsenal’s biggest problem right now is their injuries. They managed to avoid too much disruption in the last two years but their squad has been stretched this time.’
“But I am speaking with my head and heart when saying Liverpool will pip them to first place. Arne Slot’s attacking options are the strongest in the Premier League. My only worry for Liverpool is if they pick up injuries to their big players.
“If they can avoid them, they will be difficult to catch. Chelsea will finish third and despite their issues I see Man City finishing in the last Champions League spot.”
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