Liverpool manager Arne Slot has compared Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their meeting with Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
The Egyptian has been one of the most consistent performers in the world since joining Liverpool almost a decade ago. His numbers pale in comparison to the two his boss has compared him to, but his countless records in the Premier League show that he can be counted on just as those two have been counted on at all the clubs and teams they have played for.
He is currently leading their charge this season in all competitions and is expected to play a starring role when Xabi Alonso’s team comes calling for their European tie.
Speaking at a press conference previewing the match, Slot said: “There is no reason at the moment to think that he is dropping in terms of level,” said Liverpool’s head coach. “That’s not what you see when you look at his numbers or what you see when he plays. I don’t know how to say this in English, but I cannot tell you how the future will look like.
“Cristiano Ronaldo, what age is he at the moment? [39]. Messi is still incredible [at 37]. But there are also players like me who weren’t as good any more at 33, not that I was so good at 26. I don’t know what the future brings but I do know Mo is in a very good place.”
Slot was also asked about Salah’s recent social media posts which seem to have an air of farewell about them.
“You interpreted it in a way that maybe other people don’t,” said Slot when asked about the possible warning in Salah’s post. “I don’t look at Instagram posts of my players, I only talk to them, which you can’t, which is the advantage I have. I am hoping he will make another post after tomorrow and again after Saturday.
“What he said with that is not important. For me what is important is how he plays and what he tells me when we have conversations. That is what matters and not how you guys interpret one of his posts.
“I haven’t spoken to him about it. We have spoken about Leverkusen because that team deserves all of our attention for the quality they have. He is out of contract at the end of the season – Virgil also said something in the press – and now he has a post which you interpreted in a certain way.
“This will probably continue for as long as their futures are not clear. In the meantime, let’s hope they bring in performances like Mo and Virgil had at the weekend.”
