Michael Owen praised Mo Salah’s ‘unbelievable’ moment of magic for Liverpool during their 2-2 draw against Chelsea on Sunday, as he told Premier League Productions (02/01/22 at 5:30 pm).
The former striker spoke about the manner in which Salah scored for Liverpool at Stamford Bridge and how he did his ‘little shimmy’ whilst running at Marcos Alonso in ‘full flow’ and not standing still.
Before Salah could depart for the Africa Cup of Nations, both he and Sadio Mane put their names up in lights and secured an action-packed point at the Bridge for their side.
It was remarkably Salah’s 16th goal of the Premier League campaign, as he and Mane will now miss several weeks of action for the Reds, including two Premier League matches.
Owen wasn’t the only one praising Salah yesterday because ex-Chelsea boss Glenn Hoddle also lauded the ‘great skill’ produced by the flying Egypt winger.
“Oh, it was unbelievable,” said Owen. “The way he just stands Alonso up. Takes a little shimmy and gives the goalkeeper the eyes is sensational.
“To do his little shimmy like that whilst you are in full flow. I mean normally, you stand somebody up and then do the shimmy. He is actually running. It gives him the yard he needs.”
Hoddle added: “I think Rudiger has gone drawn out to Salah on the sideline. Kovacic has to read it. Alonso sees it, he tries to get back. But it’s too late.
“The other two are taken out from a smashing ball by Alexander-Arnold. But that’s beautiful. `The little stop-start of Alonso. And then have the coolness to catch out Mendy at the near post. Great skill.”
Whilst Liverpool fans will be disappointed to lose a player of Salah’s ilk, they will still get to see him work his magic for his country during these next few weeks.
Egypt are one of the pre-tournament favourites and it’s obvious why, but Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, who will captain Algeria, will be one of Salah’s biggest threats.
Along with Senegal, who have Mane in their ranks and Edouard Mendy, who the Liverpool duo both scored past yesterday.
Either way, it is set to be a barnstorming tournament and one that deserves more respect from the wider public outside of Africa.
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