Liverpool Success Could Propel Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or Bid, Says Arne Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has highlighted the importance of team success in enhancing Mohamed Salah’s chances of securing his first Ballon d’Or. As the Reds sit comfortably at the top of the Premier League, Salah’s exceptional performance this season has made him a frontrunner for the prestigious award.
Salah, 32, has enjoyed a stellar campaign, netting 30 goals and providing 21 assists across all competitions. Despite his impressive statistics, Slot emphasized that individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or are often intertwined with team achievements. “For him to stay in that discussion, he should bring in the same performances as he’s done for seven or eight months now,” Slot stated in a press conference. “Someone that wins the Ballon d’Or needs to win something as well.”
Liverpool currently holds an 11-point lead over second-placed Arsenal with 11 games remaining in the Premier League, and they are also set to face Newcastle in the League Cup final, as well as Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League knockout stages. Slot expressed confidence in his players, assuring fans that complacency is not a concern. “These players know how difficult every single game is,” he noted, emphasizing the challenge that lies ahead.
While acknowledging Salah’s remarkable form, Slot refrained from making direct comparisons to legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, stating, “He has had some outstanding seasons here at Liverpool, and we hope he can continue this for a longer period of time.”
The question of Salah’s future at Anfield remains a topic of interest, as he has yet to sign a new deal beyond this season. Slot recognized the complexities surrounding contract negotiations, saying, “You can look at it in both ways. The better he does, the more expensive he might become.”
With Liverpool’s ambitions high and Salah in dazzling form, the coming weeks could prove pivotal for both the club’s trophy aspirations and the Egyptian star’s individual accolades. As Liverpool aims for silverware, Salah’s chances of capturing the coveted Ballon d’Or could be bolstered significantly by the team’s success.
