Liverpool’s Dominant Victory Over Manchester City
On Sunday, Liverpool took a significant stride toward clinching their second Premier League title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad. The win extended Liverpool’s lead over second-placed Arsenal to 11 points, with 11 games still to play. Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai were the stars of the show, both scoring in a stellar first-half performance. Salah, in particular, continues to shine, as this was the 11th time this season he has both scored and assisted in a match. The victory not only solidified Liverpool’s position at the top of the league but also sparked discussions about Salah’s place in the pantheon of world football.
Salah’s Quest for the Ballon d’Or
In the aftermath of the match, Sky Sports studio panelists, including former Liverpool players Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards, and Daniel Sturridge, delved into Salah’s potential to win the Ballon d’Or. Sturridge, who knows Salah from their time together at Liverpool, began by stating that Salah has ambitions to be the best player in the world. However, Carragher raised a point of contention, suggesting that Salah’s involvement with Egypt could be a hurdle. He argued that players who excel in major tournaments or the Champions League are often the ones who win such prestigious individual awards. Specifically, Carragher mentioned players like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, who have had significant success with Real Madrid and France, respectively.
The Africa Cup of Nations: A Major Tournament
Carragher’s comments quickly sparked a debate, particularly on social media, where many fans and analysts pointed out that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is indeed a major tournament. Salah, Egypt’s second-highest goal scorer of all time with 59 goals in 103 appearances, has twice led his team to the final, in 2017 and 2021. Egypt, the most successful team in AFCON history with seven titles, will have the opportunity to add an eighth crown in 2025. Recognizing this, both Richards and Sturridge were quick to correct Carragher. Richards emphasized, "Just to say, AFCON is a major tournament. It’s a big deal, and a lot of people are at home saying ‘they aren’t taking it serious’. AFCON is a big tournament, just so you know."
The Debate Continues
Carragher, perhaps realizing his misstep, asked Richards whether Egypt would be in contention to win the World Cup the following year. Richards responded, "No, but AFCON is big, isn’t it?" Sturridge then stepped in to close the matter, stating emphatically, "It’s a fact. It’s a fact. It’s a fact. If you win the Euros or Copa America, it’s deemed to be big, so the AFCON is in the same level." The correction was necessary to highlight the importance of AFCON, which is a significant competition for many African nations and players, including Salah.
Salah’s Season and the Ballon d’Or Race
With 25 goals this season and Liverpool’s potential to achieve a historic treble—winning the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup—Salah is undoubtedly a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or. As Carragher noted, players who perform well in the Champions League or international tournaments are often the ones who win the award. Recent winners like Rodri, who starred for Spain in the Euros, Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to the World Cup, and Karim Benzema, who guided Real Madrid to a Champions League triumph, all had significant tournament success. AFCON, which will return at the end of the year, with Morocco hosting for the second time, presents another opportunity for Salah and Egypt to make a strong statement. Alongside Salah, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, who joined the Premier League leaders in January after a stellar first half of the season with Eintracht Frankfurt, will also be a key player for the Pharaohs.
Conclusion: Salah’s Legacy and Future
Mohamed Salah’s remarkable season, coupled with Liverpool’s strong performance, has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Premier League and potential success in other competitions. The debate over his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or underscores his impact on the game and his status as one of the world’s best players. As he continues to lead Egypt in AFCON and Liverpool in the Premier League and Champions League, Salah’s legacy is only set to grow. His dedication and excellence on the field, both for club and country, make him a deserving candidate for the highest individual accolades in football.
