Liverpool star Mohamed Salah admits he's striving to match Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

David Cooper - Writer 16:43 13/05/2018
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  • Emerging Liverpool sensation Mohamed Salah has declared he must repeat this season’s incredible scoring feats “for many seasons” if he is to earn the same exalted standing as Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Salah, 25, has scored more than 40 times since last summer’s move from Serie A’s Roma. Such stellar form has seen his name put forward as the player who will break the Ballon d’Or duopoly enjoyed by the legendary aforementioned duo since 2008.

    Speaking in a lengthy interview with ON ENT, the hungry Egypt forward insisted such talk was premature and he still has a long way to go.

    He said: “I don’t want to say that I am happy with these types of comparisons. This is because each of them was at a top level for 10 or 11 years.

    “Their performance level is stable. I need to maintain my performance level for many seasons. I hope I can do so. They are great players and I am happy with the comparison.”

    Salah has revelled upon his return to England after a prior miserable association with Chelsea from 2014-16. This included just two goals in 19 appearances, plus loan spells at Fiorentina and Roma.

    His love of the Premier League has extended to Fantasy Football, where he is an active competitor.

    Salah showed a sense of humour about his dumping of fellow Egypt star Ahmed Hegazi after last month’s coming together in the 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion.

    “I frequently change players, I feel I have to change players. No-one is permanent in my team, but players I remember are [Ahmed] Hegazi – I sold him after he hit me,” he joked.

    Beyond the use of his long-term friend, Salah shows a keen eye for fellow elite attacking talent.

    This extended to his fearsome trio at club level, among others.

    He said: “[Arsenal and Egypt midfielder Mohamed] Elneny was in my team, but I dismissed him. I chose myself, [Sadio] Mane and [Roberto] Firmino [all from Liverpool].

    “I also chose [Jamie] Vardy from Leicester. In the midfield I took [Nemanja] Matic from Manchester [United], plus [Eden] Hazard and [Kevin] De Bruyne.”

    Salah’s incredible first campaign could end with victory on May 26 in the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

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