Robbie Fowler gives reasons why Mohamed Salah is ahead of Messi and Ronaldo in the race for the FIFA Ballon d'or
Mohamed Salah has been in stunning form since his summer switch from Roma. The Egyptian reached his 30th Premier League goal of the season after scoring in fine header against Bournemouth (PL week 34).
He was named the PFA Player of the Year and his impressive debut campaign at Anfield has led to talk of him challenging Messi and Ronaldo for the top prize.
Former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler believes Salah's international exploits should disrupt the dominance of the two La Liga superstars.
“I’m not saying he’s going to win it,” he told the Mirror.
“In fact I’m pretty sure he won’t the way the whole thing is structured.
“But I am saying that it’s time to look beyond the almost knee-jerk leaning towards Ronaldo or Messi.
“Don’t get me wrong, they are two of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
“People get misty eyed over the pair of them, and quite rightly. They have both had good years, and with a World Cup, both have the chance for an outstanding one.
“Yet so far, Salah has matched them, no doubt.
“Even if you put what Mo has done at Liverpool to one side, he’s been astonishing. He has gone from being an exciting, quality player, to a truly world-class one for Jurgen Klopp.
“But it is his incredible role with Egypt that has caught my attention.
“More so than Ronaldo or Messi, he has lifted an entire nation.
“He scored two goals to take his country to the World Cup finals for only the third time in their history. Scotland have been there more often than that!
“Salah is a hero back home. He has put Egypt back on the map.
“I think international coaches will understand the magnitude of that better than journalists who are working outside Africa.
“For what he has achieved in terms of promoting African football as a whole, he deserves to be in contention.”
More Mohamed Salah updates here
More Mohamed Salah updates here