Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or Potential
Mohamed Salah, the prolific Liverpool forward, has emerged as a serious contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or, according to TNT Sports’ expert Joe Cole. Salah’s latest assist in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle at Anfield on Wednesday night marked his 42nd goal involvement in the Premier League this season, a staggering feat that underscores his critical role in the team’s success. Cole, speaking before West Ham’s match against Leicester City, which was broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+, confidently backed Salah to be among the frontrunners for the prestigious individual award. "He’ll certainly be in the running," Cole asserted, adding that while the Ballon d’Or often favors performances in the Champions League and especially in the final, Salah’s consistent brilliance in the Premier League places him on par with football legends such as Thierry Henry, Eric Cantona, Sergio Aguero, and Steven Gerrard. Salah’s career has been overshadowed by the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and Liverpool’s recent lack of success in the Champions League. However, his current form and impact are undeniable, and he is well within the conversation for the Ballon d’Or.
Liverpool’s Steady Pace Towards the Title
Liverpool’s relentless performance in the Premier League has brought them to the brink of securing the title, with a commanding 13-point lead over second-place Arsenal. Joe Cole, reflecting on the team’s journey, suggested that there is no trace of nervousness in the Liverpool camp. "Everyone else can talk about ‘have they done it, have they not done it? The players just carry on doing their jobs, they carry on pushing forwards," Cole said. He drew from his own experience, noting that when his former team was leading by a significant margin, the players remained calm and focused on their tasks. "You’re the calmest, out of all the fanbase, the owners and everyone. You’re just doing your job," Cole recalled. The team’s consistency and the manager Arne Slot’s astute leadership have been instrumental in this successful campaign. Cole emphasized that Slot has been "absolutely outstanding" and deserves more recognition for his faultless management of the team.
Arne Slot: The Unsung Hero
Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, has been the driving force behind the team’s exceptional form. According to Cole, Slot’s leadership has been flawless, and his ability to maintain the team’s focus and morale is commendable. "They’ve been faultless. Arne Slot, the job he’s done, I don’t think he’s getting enough praise for it," Cole stated. Slot’s strategic acumen and tactical flexibility have allowed Liverpool to adapt to various challenges throughout the season. His management has not only kept the players in top form but also fostered a resilient and confident team spirit. This blend of skill and mental strength is crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum towards the title and ensuring they remain a formidable force in both domestic and European competitions.
The Team’s Invincibility
Steve McManaman, another TNT Sports analyst, praised Liverpool for their air of invincibility. "They know what jobs they need to do," McManaman said. "Anybody who comes on the pitch, whether [Curtis] Jones starts, whether [Cody] Gakpo starts, they will put in those types of performances. They are that good at the moment." The depth and quality of Liverpool’s squad are evident in the consistent performance levels across all players. McManaman highlighted that the team can rely on a core group of 15 to 17 players, and the intensity of their play does not drop when substitutions are made. "As soon as anybody leaves the pitch, someone enters the pitch, the intensity doesn’t drop. It rises, it goes again," he observed. This reliability and trust in every player have been key to Liverpool’s sustained success and their ability to secure wins week after week.
Building Confidence and Trust
Liverpool’s success has also been bolstered by the unwavering confidence of both the players and the fans. "When you have that level of performance, that you can trust every single week, if they go out and do that performance again, they’ll get a result," McManaman noted. The team’s confidence is palpable, and they seem to have an almost prematch 1-0 lead, a testament to their mental and physical readiness. "That’s what they’re showing at the moment. They’re almost 1-0 up before they come on the pitch, they’re that confident, and the fans are that confident in them," McManaman added. This collective belief is a powerful motivator and has been a significant factor in Liverpool’s dominant run in the Premier League.
Streaming the Premier League and More
For those eager to follow Liverpool’s continued title push and the rest of the Premier League action, TNT Sports and discovery+ offer a comprehensive platform to stream matches live. The services also provide coverage of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, ensuring that fans have access to a wide array of top-tier football. Whether it’s watching Salah’s next goal or seeing how Liverpool’s depth and tactical flexibility continue to pay dividends, these platforms are the perfect place to stay connected with the action.
