Carlos Queiroz has admitted that Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is the world’s finest player, joking that the media shouldn’t relay his comments to Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United.
Despite finishing seventh in the Ballon d’Or stakes, it’s widely accepted that wasn’t an accurate reflection of where the Liverpool attacker ranks.
The 29-year-old has netted 23 goals in 26 outings for the Anfield outfit across all competitions this season.
The Manchester United forward was, at one point, arguably the finest footballer on the planet but 14 goals in all tournaments this season illustrates that he’s on the decline, which is normal considering he is 36.
Quieroz, who now manages Salah with Egypt, played a role in Ronaldo becoming the iconic player that he is after working alongside him at Old Trafford during his first spell at the Red Devils, under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He told The Mirror of the Liverpool player: “He’s the best player in the world right now, and with that comes belief and confidence. We build a team. But we build it with the best player in the world included but don’t tell Cristiano, he will be upset with me!”
The Liverpool sensatiton kicks off his Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Egypt on Tuesday with a clash against Nigeria.
With Jurgen Klopp’s outfit third in the Premier League table, 11 points behind Manchester City, the Reds’ title prospects could well hinge on getting Salah back as soon as possible.
Without him – and Sadio Mane, who’s at the same tournament – the Merseysiders are a different team entirely.
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