Search icon

Football

08th Oct 2021

Brazil legend Rivaldo claims Mohamed Salah is ‘one of the best players in the world’

Daniel Brown

“He’s one of the best players in the world”

Brazil legend Rivaldo has claimed that Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is “one of the best players in the world” and should be in contention to win the 2021 Ballon d’Or.

The Egyptian has made a spectacular start to the season, scoring nine goals and registering three assists in nine games in all competitions.

His form throughout 2021 has been impressive, which has led to him being nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or award, amongst 13 other Premier League nominees.

Salah – who recently became the fastest player in the Liverpool’s history to reach 100 goals – scored a stunning goal in the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Manchester City last weekend, which led to the 29-year-old receiving increased praise from a number of ex-professionals.

Former Brazil striker Rivaldo has praised the Liverpool star for his “astonishing” statistics this term, adding that Salah has developed in two of the most difficult competitions in the world.

The 1999 Ballon d’Or winner also suggested that Salah deserves to be among the main contenders for the Ballon d’Or after a year of strong performances.

“Liverpool’s Egyptian forward is producing a fantastic start of season with impressive stats and a sensational goal against Manchester City last weekend,” Rivaldo, an ambassador for Betfair, wrote.

“He’s one of the best players in the world right now because his astonishing numbers in terms of goals and assists are obtained in the Premier League and Champions League, two of the most difficult competitions in the planet.

“When you are so good in demanding conditions, then of course you are a top player who deserves to be among the contenders for the Ballon d’Or this season.”

In 2020, Salah – who arrived at Anfield in a £38million deal from AS Roma in 2017 – finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or behind Lionel Messi, Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Egpytain was also joined in the top ten by Reds teammates Sadio Mane and Alisson Becker after Jurgen Klopp’s men clinched their first league title in 30 years.

Related links: