Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is delighted that Mohamed Salah is in the conversation for the 2025 Ballon d’Or following his impressive run of form during the ongoing 2024-25 season, Afrosport reports.
The 32-year-old Egyptian winger has scored 30 goals and provided 21 assists in all competition, 25 of those goals and 16 of the assists coming in the Premier League where he leads the top scorer’s charts while the Reds lead 11 points clear at the top of the table.
It has led to suggestion that Salah is a prime favourite for the Ballon d’Or award later in the year and Slot believes Liverpool’s position in challenging for major honours, including the UEFA Champions League, makes a strong case for the former AS Roma man.
“It’s mostly about the talkers, isn’t it? It’s a good thing that Mo is in the discussion because it means he is doing well and we are doing well but for him to stay in that discussion he should bring in the same performances as he’s done for seven or eight months now,” the Dutch tactician said.
“I think in general someone who wins the Ballon d’Or needs to win something as well so it’s a great challenge that is in front of us and in front of him. What I like is that he takes this challenge by not only scoring a big goal and a great assist against Man City but he also wanted the team to win because his defensive work rate, especially in the second half was outstanding.
“I think that is what it takes for us to have a chance of winning something and if we as a team can win something, he will have a far better chance to win the Ballon d’Or.”
When asked if Salah should be in the same discussion as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Slot said: “It’s so difficult to compare players with each other and it’s not fair to anyone. Mo has had his own career and he has been outstanding.
“Mo has had some outstanding seasons here at Liverpool and we hope he can continue this for a longer period of time but first he needs to extend his contract. You guys don’t ask me about that anymore, so that’s a positive!”
Magnificent, Mo 🤩 pic.twitter.com/1lHpt9QgUa
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 25, 2025
Liverpool will host Newcastle United in a Premier League tie at Anfield on Wednesday night.
